The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a lawsuit against Tesla, accusing the automaker of tolerating widespread and ongoing racial harassment of its Black employees and subjecting some workers to retaliation for opposing harassment.
Background
This is not the first time Tesla has been sued for racial bias. In 2022, the California Civil Rights Department sued the company over similar allegations. Additionally, in April 2022, a jury ordered Tesla to pay a Black former worker, Owen Diaz, $3.2 million in damages after finding that the company had allowed severe racial harassment at its Fremont assembly plant.
The Lawsuit
The EEOC alleges that since at least 2015 until present day, Black employees at the Fremont factory have endured "severe or pervasive racial harassment" and a "hostile work environment." The lawsuit details stereotyping and hostility, including being called "lazy," "smelly," and "always late." The filing also claims that Black workers were subjected to slurs and epithets such as variations of the N-word, "monkey," "boy," and "black bitch."
Testimonies from Black Workers
One Black worker was quoted in the lawsuit as saying, "I saw KKK epithets, a swastika, and the N-Word all over the bathroom. It was so gross and racist I don’t want to discuss it." The worker also stated that graffiti with images of nooses could be found on various surfaces, including desks, elevators, and equipment.
Tesla’s Response
The lawsuit accuses Tesla of violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, amended in 1991. This law requires employers to correct unlawful practices based on race and provide appropriate relief to aggrieved individuals.
"The EEOC requests a jury trial and asks that the court order Tesla to pay damages to the aggrieved individuals, as well as fines for breaking the law," said Nancy Sienko, the EEOC’s San Francisco district office director. "It also violates an employer’s legal responsibility to act swiftly and effectively to stop race-based harassment."
Tesla’s History of Controversy
In 2020, Tesla disbanded its press department, and the company could not be reached for comment on this latest lawsuit.
What’s Next?
The EEOC requests a permanent injunction to Tesla management that engaged in and allowed racism to flourish. The agency also asks the court to order Tesla to institute and carry out policies to remedy the situation and protect Black workers in the future.
Conclusion
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s lawsuit against Tesla is a significant development in the ongoing battle against racial harassment in the workplace. As the EEOC continues to fight for justice, it’s essential to hold companies accountable for their actions and ensure that employees are treated with dignity and respect.
Timeline of Events
- 2022: California Civil Rights Department sues Tesla over racial bias allegations
- April 2022: Jury orders Tesla to pay a Black former worker $3.2 million in damages
- Present day: EEOC files lawsuit against Tesla for tolerating racial harassment and subjecting workers to retaliation