Stellantis plans to reinstate domestic partner benefits effective Jan. 1, 2022 for eligible employees not covered by union contracts.
The new benefit applies to all eligible non-bargaining unit U.S. employees despite their partner status — same- and opposite-sex — and aligns with the company’s legacy as a corporate leader providing domestic partner benefits for same-sex couples, the company said.
DaimlerChrysler, a predecessor to Stellantis, which was created earlier this year by the merger of PSA Group and Fiat Chrysler Automakers, was a pioneer in offering domestic partner benefits to LGBTQ employees despite protests that accompanied the move.
It was joined by General Motors and Ford in 2000 in offering the benefits to same-sex couples. GM offers same- and opposite-sex domestic partner benefits, and has for more than a decade, according to a Detroit News report.
In the same story, Ford said it meets the legal standard for spouses in accordance with all state laws where it operates. It noted California requires registered domestic partners also be eligible, and the company says the benefits apply to all employees.
Announcement wins praise
The automaker offered domestic partner benefits in the U.S. until same-sex marriage became legal following the U.S. Supreme Court’s Obergefell decision in 2015. The other two automakers also complied.
“Stellantis is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive business environment in which all people and ideas are welcomed, appreciated and respected,” said Dana Keefer, head — Human Resources, Stellantis-North America.
“Providing domestic partner benefits to all eligible employees, despite their partner status, embodies our company’s purpose and values and enables us to meet the needs of a diverse and dynamic workforce and the expectations of prospective employees,” said Keefer.
As part of its benefit announcement, Stellantis lit the 960-square-foot glass Pentastar on top of its 15-story Auburn Hills, Michigan office tower purple Oct. 11 and it will remain so until Oct. 21 in honor of LGBTQ History Month, National Coming Out Day, and National Spirit Day.
The observance builds on the company’s longstanding support of LGBTQ employees, communities and issues. For example, in 2020, the company expanded its award-winning supplier diversity program to include certified LGBTQ-owned businesses, Stellantis said while making the announcement.
Diversity part of corporate identity
“On behalf of the members of the Prism Business Resource Group, we are proud to work for a company that shows us so much support and respect,” said Arana Long, chair of Prism, the company’s LGBTQ+ Business Resource Group.
“Reinstating domestic partner benefits for all eligible employees is a strong leadership move by the company to support the diverse lifestyles of current and prospective employees,” Long said.
Prism is one of 11 Business Resource Groups whose objectives include promoting a positive awareness of diverse people and issues within the company and ensuring that the company’s products meet the expectations of diverse customers.
In addition, Stellantis Business Resource Groups represent a range of affinity communities that include African ancestry, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, women, Middle Eastern, disabled, veterans, working parents and LGBTQ.
The company has consistently achieved high scores on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index since the benchmark was established.
Stellantis recently earned acknowledgement of its diversity leadership when the editors of the respected DiversityInc magazine named the company its 2021 list of Top 50 Companies for Diversity.