General Electric (GE) is a multinational conglomerate that operates in a variety of industries including aviation, renewable energy, healthcare, and finance. Despite its size and success, the company has faced a number of ethical issues over the years.
One major ethical issue that GE has faced is financial misconduct. In 2009, the company was accused of using inappropriate accounting practices to inflate its earnings and mislead investors. The company ultimately agreed to pay a $50 million fine to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to settle the charges. In 2017, GE was again accused of financial misconduct, this time for failing to disclose the risks associated with its long-term care insurance portfolio. The company was fined $1.5 billion by the Department of Justice (DOJ) for this misconduct.
Another ethical issue that GE has faced is environmental pollution. The company has been accused of releasing hazardous chemicals into the air and water, leading to health problems for local communities. For example, GE has been accused of releasing PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) into the Hudson River, causing significant environmental damage. The company has also been accused of failing to properly clean up hazardous waste sites, which can have serious consequences for the health and safety of local communities.
In addition to these issues, GE has also faced criticism for its treatment of employees. In 2018, the company was accused of violating labor laws and mistreating workers at its Appliance Park facility in Louisville, Kentucky. The company was also accused of discrimination against female and minority employees, leading to a number of lawsuits and settlements.
Overall, it is clear that GE has faced a number of ethical issues over the years. While the company has made efforts to address these issues and improve its practices, it is important for GE to continue to prioritize ethical behavior and maintain a high level of transparency and accountability in order to restore trust with its stakeholders.