GM Recalls: How General Motors Silenced a Whistle-Blower

How GM Silenced A Whistle-Blower
Ken Rimer, left, who lost his step-daughter in a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt accident in Wisconsin, and Laura Christian, who lost her daughter in a 2005 Cobalt crash in Maryland, comfort each other after a television interview outside General Motors World headquarters during the company's annual shareholder meeting in Detroit, Tuesday, June 10, 2014. About eight protesters stood outside GM's headquarters. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Ken Rimer, left, who lost his step-daughter in a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt accident in Wisconsin, and Laura Christian, who lost her daughter in a 2005 Cobalt crash in Maryland, comfort each other after a television interview outside General Motors World headquarters during the company's annual shareholder meeting in Detroit, Tuesday, June 10, 2014. About eight protesters stood outside GM's headquarters. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

It was close to 3 a.m. on June 6 when Courtland Kelley burst into his bedroom, startling his wife awake. General Motors (GM), Kelley’s employer for more than 30 years, had just released the results of an investigation into how a flawed ignition switch in the Chevrolet Cobalt could easily slip into the “off” position—cutting power, stalling the engine, and disabling airbags just when they’re needed most. The part has been linked to at least 13 deaths and 54 crashes.

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