In recent news, a federal lawsuit alleges black Tesla employees endured open hostility and racial discrimination.

The Case: EEOC v Tesla, Inc.

The Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California

The Case No.: 4:23-cv-04984

Background: EEOC v Tesla, Inc.

In this widely publicized case, the complaint alleged that electric car maker Tesla, Inc. violated federal law when they tolerated the ongoing widespread racial harassment of their black employees. In addition, the lawsuit claims that Tesla retaliated against some workers for opposing the harassment. According to case documents, the harassment continued from at least 2015 through 2023, with the black employees at Tesla’s Fremont, California facilities enduring various racial slurs, pervasive stereotyping, racial abuse, and general hostility while fulfilling their jobs at the busy manufacturing plant. Incidents allegedly occurred casually in high-traffic areas and worker “hub” areas. Black employees also allegedly encountered graffiti (showing variations of the N-word, swastikas, nooses, threats, etc.) on their desks, office furniture, factory equipment, bathrooms, elevators, and new vehicles just rolling off the Tesla facility’s production line.

Workplace Retaliation Claims: EEOC v Tesla, Inc.

The defendant in the case, Tesla Inc., also faces allegations of retaliation. During the EEOC investigation, evidence suggested that employees who objected to the discriminatory behavior and racial harassment at the Tesla facility suffered various forms of workplace retaliation, from a change in job duties to termination or transfer. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits racial harassment. It also requires employers who receive harassment complaints to respond promptly by investigating the claim and taking appropriate action to stop the retaliatory acts or harassment.

The Case: EEOC v Tesla, Inc.

In EEOC v Tesla, Inc., the parties failed to reach a pre-litigation settlement. After the failed attempt to resolve the situation pre-litigation, the EEOC filed a discrimination lawsuit seeking compensatory and punitive damages and back pay for any affected Tesla employees. The suit also seeks injunctive relief to reform Tesla’s employment practices and prevent future acts of discrimination.

If you have questions about how to file a California workplace discrimination lawsuit, please get in touch with Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik DeBlouw LLP. Experienced employment law attorneys are ready to assist you in various law firm offices in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside, and Chicago.