STATEMENT FROM NAN NEW JERSEY STATE CONFERENCE ON DISCRIMINATION AT PANASONIC

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Feb 07, 2015

The National Action Network (NAN) New Jersey State Conference is concerned about the allegations in a legal Complaint filed by three long-term African-American female executives at Panasonic Corporation of North America (PNA). Not only are their allegations disturbing, but their complaint is cause for grave concern regarding the status of minorities and women as a whole at Panasonic. The Complaint can be read here: http://smithmullin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/filedamendedcomplaint.pdf. One of the plaintiffs, Glorina Cruz, having filed her complaint, was fired by Panasonic after 21 years of employment. Representatives from NAN New Jersey State Conference have met with Panasonic on several occasions where information was requested regarding the diversity of their workforce and their hiring practices. As of this date they have refused to provide this information.

Panasonic received over $100 million in tax breaks for locating its North American headquarters in Newark, New Jersey. Newark’s population is 73.7% minority. Half of the residents of Essex County, New Jersey are minority. New Jersey has a significant minority and female community. The Complaint alleges that minorities and women are poorly represented in the management and executive ranks at Panasonic.

National Action Network works to promote diversity, competency and fairness in the workplace. We support and believe in equal opportunity and equality under the law. The Complaint against Panasonic raises significant issues about workplace fairness and equal opportunity. As Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. said “the time is always right to do the right thing.

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