Porsche Investigates Forced Labor Under Hitler
Published October 13, 2009 @ 01:00PM PT
With the galactically-high price tag that comes with a Porsche, you'd think each of the people involved in making one are being paid pretty handsomely. That might be the case today, but it wasn't always so. Porsche has admitted to using forced labor in their factories during Hitler's regime in Germany before and during WWII, and are now investigating the extent of the abuses.
Porsche has owned up to enslaving at least 50 workers during that period, but journalist and researcher Ulrich Viehoefer claims that up to 300 might have been enslaved during that period, and possibly more. 300 people might not seem like a huge number, but it represents over half of the workforce of Porsche at the time. Porsche has thus far paid 2.5 million euros in reparations to victims of forced labor in their factories, but the discovery of an additional 300 could increase that amount.
Why is it important that Porsche is investigating allegations of forced slavery over 60 years ago? For one, it sets a great precedent for companies that abused or enslaved workers in Nazi Germany and under other regimes with a general disdain for human rights to face up to their history. The reparations especially could help pave the way for other companies to repay the individuals and families of those they have wrong. The investigation also practically puts a halo on Porsche's head -- so few corporations are willing to examine, much less address, serious human rights abuses in their past. The investigation has the potential not just to help Porsche's former victims, but cement better labor practices for Porsche and it's competitors.
So props to Porsche for taking on a hard but important task. Hopefully their initiative and focus on justice will help encourage other companies -- you know who you are -- to address historical human rights abuses. After all, if you can't face the problems in your past, how can you face the problems in your present?
Photo credit: stephenhanafin
Share this Post
Facebook
Twitter
Digg
StumbleUpon
Delicious
EmailRelated Posts
-
UN to Russia: Prevent Exploitation, Protect Migrants
-
Feudalism Still Practised in Pakistan
-
Italian Trafficking Ring Busted, 17 Arrested
Comments (3)
Comments on Change.org are meant for further exploration and evaluation of the ideas covered in the posts. To that end, we welcome constructive comments. However, we reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive, abusive, or off-topic; that contain ad hominem attacks; or that are designed to subvert or hijack comment threads rather than contribute to them. Repeat offenders may be permanently removed from the site at our discretion.
Author
-
Amanda has been a full-time abolitionist for six years. During that time, she has created reports, documentaries and training materials on human trafficking in the United States and around the world.
I agree -- props to Porshe. I wish more companies would do the same.
Posted by Michelle . on 10/13/2009 @ 02:29PM PT
You must be signed in to report content.
You mention that other companies should pay "the individuals and families of those they have wronged." I can go along with the individuals. But families, I dont know. If Porsche had enslaved my grandfather, it would be nice if they apologized publicly, maybe made a donation, but I dont think they owe me a dime.
Posted by Slim Chance on 10/13/2009 @ 04:49PM PT
You must be signed in to report content.
To right wrongs is noble. Those who are no longer here to speak on their own behalf nor receive restitution deserve someone to stand up give a voice in their memory and receive what is forthcoming in apologies or other with grace and pride.
Posted by Jennifer Perugini on 10/13/2009 @ 11:24PM PT
You must be signed in to report content.