General Motors turns down mediation in dispute

INDIANAPOLIS — General Motors (GM) has declined an offer by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to mediate a complaint dispute filed by an employee who wants to form a Christian activity group. GM launched an “affinity group” program in 1999 to promote diversity and interaction among company employees. John Moranski, a company employee at GM’s Indianapolis plant, filed a complaint with the EEOC after the company rejected his proposal to form an “affinity group” for Christians.

Moranski claims that GM discriminated against him by denying his request for company recognition of the Christian Employee Network, an “interdenominational group” he started at GM. The company said they rejected the proposal based on the group’s religious connection. Keith Brickell, a spokesman for the Christian Law Association (CLA), explained that when the EEOC offered to mediate the dispute, GM turned down the request. CLA is assisting Moranski in the case.