The brutal way a loyal General Motors worker was unceremoniously laid off has sparked outrage across America.
Adam Bernard, 60, had been employed by GM for nearly four decades when he received an email out of the blue at 5.07am on Friday, November 15.
It informed the Michigan-based employee that he had been terminated as part of a global mass layoff.
Shocked, he turned to Linkedin to share the news, writing: ‘Well, in unexpected news, I was let go from GM at 5:07 a.m. this morning via email, along with (I hear unofficially) about 1,000 people globally. I wonder what I should do next…?’
He never imagined his short post would catch the attention of a recruitment coach, Joel Lalgee, living hundreds of miles away in Wisconsin.
Lalgee uncovered that Bernard had worked for the company for 38 years, and made a TikTok calling out the business’ cold behavior.
‘Imagine getting laid off from a company after 38 years of loyalty?’ Lalgee remarked in the video. ‘This guy had been working for GM literally longer than I’ve been alive. That’s a lifetime of loyalty to be let go via email.’
The TikTok swiftly went viral, amassing over 1.6 million views, and and triggered out outpouring of fury online.
Adam Bernard, 60, had been employed by General Motors for nearly four decades when he received an email out of the blue at 5.07am on Friday, November 15
Bernard’s LinkedIn post caught the attention of Joel Lalgee, a recruitment coach in Kenosha, Wisconsin, whose TikTok video about Bernard’s story went viral
Bernard, who lives in Royal Oak, had never heard of Lalgee, and did not even use TikTok.
He only discovered his story was being circulated around social media when friends began messaging him.
Bernard had fallen in love with autos when he was just three-years-old and his dad gave him a Hot Wheels car, Detroit Free Press reported.
He had began his GM career in 1986 after earning a degree from MIT and later completing an MBA at Harvard Business School through a GM fellowship.
As an associate director for competitor intelligence, he tracked industry trends and contributed to GM’s strategic insights.
Beyond his professional role, Bernard led GM’s LGBTQ+ employee resource group for 16 years.
Despite the sudden end to his career, Bernard remained gracious, telling the outlet he had nothing negative to say about GM.
Reflecting on a 2023 buyout offer he declined, Bernard said he needed only about an hour to decide. He realized he truly enjoyed his work and hoped to continue.
Fortunately for Bernard and his husband, a retired nurse, financial hardship is not a pressing concern.
Over the years, he had been disciplined about saving, directing bonus money into his retirement fund and working with a financial planner since the start of his career. Before the layoff, he had considered retiring as early as January 2026.
However, he acknowledged that others affected by the layoffs may not be the same positon.
Lalgee’s video about Bernard sparked widespread discussions about corporate loyalty and the treatment of employees
Yet the heartless method of his dismissal left a sour note for many, and Lalgee’s TikTok sparked widespread conversations about corporate loyalty and the emotional toll of layoffs.
‘It set something off in people,’ Bernard shared with Detroit Free Press.
Many commenters expressed frustration with corporate practices, citing disparities between executive compensation and workforce treatment.
‘GM’s CEO made $26 million this year, and they have billions in profits. Unbelievable,’ one user commented.
Another added, ‘Looks like they did it right before his retirement – not a coincidence.’
Layoffs at GM reflect a broader trend across the auto industry.
In November 2024 alone, over 11,500 automotive jobs were cut, with GM accounting for 1,000 of those.
Despite strong earnings, companies like GM continue reducing headcounts to prepare for future economic uncertainties.
For Bernard, the transition has been a blend of reflection and optimism.
He remains active in the auto industry while cherishing the unexpected support he has received from colleagues and strangers alike.
After 38 years at General Motors (GM), Bernard received an email at 5:07 a.m. on November 15 informing him of his termination, along with approximately 1,000 other employees globally.
‘It helps to talk about it,’ he said. ‘There’s still some shock I’ll probably never completely get over.’
The unexpected connections fostered by social media have been a silver lining.
‘Ten years ago, I wouldn’t have felt as confident about myself and my career as I do now. People I’ve never even met reached out to support me,’ Bernard shared.
And as president of Detroit’s Lambda Car Club, Bernard continues pursuing his passion for cars – exemplified by his 1972 Austin Mini and 1963 Buick Riviera.
DailyMail.com has approached GM for comment.