Home » Employment News » Racist Tesla staff called California factory a “plantation”, lawsuit claims

Racist Tesla staff called California factory a “plantation”, lawsuit claims

By Nagasunder in Employment News, posted July 4, 2022

Tesla workers sprayed racist graffiti and called a factory in California a "plantation", a new lawsuit claims.

The company is being sued by 15 black former or current employees for allegedly failing to stop racial discrimination at its Fremont, California factory.

The case, which was submitted to a court in California last week, recounts the workers' allegations that they experienced racist epithets, disparaging remarks, and racially motivated harassment at work.

Workers claim that their co-workers routinely referred to the factory's workplace as "slavery" or a "plantation," among other racial or discriminatory phrases, according to the complaint.

Additionally, it is said that Tesla staff placed racist graffiti, including the "KKK," the N-word, and sketches of swastikas, on the seats, lockers, and workstations in the restrooms.

The lawsuit also claims management also took part in the harassment, “ignored repeated complaints and reports” regarding the issue, and retaliated against workers “for reporting and complaining about the discrimination.”

Jasmin Wilson, a former employee, says bosses and co-workers harassed her on the basis of race and sexual orientation.

Her bosses are accused of failing to disclose the prejudice and, as revenge for her complaints, creating procedures that specifically target Wilson.

Another employee, Nathaniel Aziel Gonsalves, alleges he was abruptly removed from Tesla after nine years as reprisal for persistently bringing up instances of racial discrimination at the business.

Other employees assert that they were given the "most physically demanding" duties at Tesla and refused advancements on the grounds of race.

The lawsuit is not the first accusing Tesla of racial discrimination.

A black former elevator operator successfully sued Tesla last year, accusing the company of not doing enough to combat racial discrimination. He was given a reduced settlement of $15 million, which he is fighting.

The business reportedly also compensated an employee $1 million after he claimed the business did nothing when his supervisor called him a racial slur.

In February, California’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) filed a lawsuit against Tesla that claims the company’s Fremont factory is a “racially segregated environment where Black workers are subjected to racial slurs and discriminated against.”

Looking for a new job? Find the WhatJobs Career Advice Center here

Additionally, the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is looking into the company (EEOC).

In a blog post, Tesla refuted allegations of discrimination, saying the business "strongly condemns all types of discrimination and harassment."

Source: The Verge

Follow us on YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook