A group of former Tesla employees have filed a race discrimination lawsuit against Tesla. More than 24 black employees have asserted numerous claims against the auto maker including not being promoting, enduring racial slurs and being forced to scrub the factory floors. The former employees describe the atmosphere as a harbor for rampant discrimination.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII) prohibits racial discrimination at the workplace. This includes actions such as failing to hire or promote, or being fired on account of one’s race, and racial harassment including being subjected to racial slurs and enduring other indignities. Further, if you complain about racial discrimination or harassment, Title VII protects you from retaliation.
In response to previous allegation of discrimination against Tesla, Elon Musk sent a company-wide email stating: a company-wide email asking staff to not act like “huge jerks.” He also said, “if someone is a jerk to you, but sincerely apologizes, it is important to be thick-skinned and accept that apology.”
Such response was criticized as not sufficiently addressing the culture of widespread discrimination. In general, apologizing for discriminatory behaviors not sufficient to address to the concerns of the alleged victims, nor protect the company from liability for such actions.
In response to the current situation, the company has stated, “Tesla opposes all forms of discrimination, harassment, and unfair treatment, and we strive to provide a respectful work environment for all employees and do our best to prevent bad conduct.”
If you believe you have been subjected to any form of workplace discrimination including racial discrimination, it’s important to stand up and protect your rights. For more information, please contact the Atlanta workplace discrimination lawyers at Buckley Bala Wilson Mew LLP for an immediate case evaluation.