On social media, many viewers were stunned after a viral video showed a loyal GM worker being laid off after 38 years in a brutal way. This incident sparked debate among viewers.
A brutal layoff method used by General Motors has sparked widespread outrage across America.
Adam Bernard, 60, was abruptly let go after nearly 38 years of service.
His dismissal came via email at 5:07 a.m. on Friday, November 15, as part of a global mass layoff.
This cold email shocked Bernard, who had dedicated most of his life to the company.
Adam Bernard’s sudden layoff shocks America
Bernard, based in Royal Oak, Michigan, received the news of his termination with little warning.
The email informed him that he, along with an estimated 1,000 employees worldwide, was being let go.
In a stunned reaction, Bernard shared the news on LinkedIn, asking his followers, “What should I do next?”
His post caught the attention of a recruitment coach, Joel Lalgee, from Wisconsin.
Social media reactions: a viral Tiktok sparks outrage
After Bernard shared his story about being laid off in a brutal way on social media, content creator Lalgee created a viral TikTok video calling out GM’s cold treatment.
In the footage , he expressed disbelief that Bernard, a dedicated employee for nearly four decades, was laid off so abruptly.
The video quickly gained traction, gaining attention among views and igniting widespread anger about corporate practices.
Many online users voiced frustration over the disparity between executive compensation and worker treatment.
One person said: Just in time to mess up his retirement benefits I’m sure
A second wrote: And GM’s CEO made $26 million this year and they have billions in profits. Unbelievable.
While a third commented: Should be a law that protects people who worked at companies after 10 years
Another added: I’m Gen X and I’m here to tell you, these companies do not deserve your loyalty
Someone else said: Dude. That’s the reason. His pension was huge. They don’t want to pay into these huge pensions. It just happened to me after 25 years.
Another user said: This happened to my dad just a couple years shy of full pension. You cannot start over after 30+ yr career.
@the_realest_recruiter This is just one of many situations that this happens #corporatelife #laidoff #layoff
Bernard’s career at GM: A legacy of loyalty
Bernard had been with GM since 1986, after earning a degree from MIT and completing an MBA through a GM fellowship.
He worked as an associate director for competitor intelligence, where he tracked industry trends and contributed to GM’s strategic insights.
In addition to his professional work, Bernard led GM’s LGBTQ+ employee resource group for 16 years, reflecting his deep commitment to the company.
Despite the sudden end to his career, Bernard remained positive, offering no ill will toward GM.
He admitted that he had considered retiring by January 2026, but the layoff had altered those plans.
Fortunately, Bernard and his husband, a retired nurse, were financially secure due to Bernard’s disciplined savings and planning over the years.
However, he acknowledged that many others affected by layoffs may not have the same financial stability.
While Bernard navigates the emotional fallout of the layoff, he remains active in the auto industry.
He continues his leadership role as president of Detroit’s Lambda Car Club and maintains his passion for cars, including his prized 1972 Austin Mini and 1963 Buick Riviera.
The unexpected support he has received from colleagues and strangers alike has been a source of comfort during this challenging time.