Tesla, the electric car manufacturer, has been ordered to pay over $3 million for creating a racially hostile workplace. The verdict was reached after a lawsuit was filed by a group of African-American workers who claimed that they were subjected to racial slurs, threats, and discrimination while working at Tesla’s Fremont factory.
The lawsuit, which was filed in 2017, alleged that Tesla failed to take action against supervisors and co-workers who engaged in racist behavior. The plaintiffs claimed that they were called racial slurs, including the N-word, and were subjected to racist graffiti in the workplace. They also alleged that they were passed over for promotions and were paid less than their white counterparts.
After a three-week trial, a jury found that Tesla had violated California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act and awarded the plaintiffs $1.6 million in damages. The jury also awarded $137,000 to one of the plaintiffs who was fired after complaining about the racist behavior.
In addition to the damages, the court ordered Tesla to pay $1.7 million in attorneys’ fees and costs. The judge also ordered Tesla to implement anti-discrimination policies and training programs to prevent future incidents of racial harassment and discrimination.
Tesla has denied the allegations and plans to appeal the verdict. In a statement, the company said that it “believes in treating everyone equally and with respect” and that it “will continue to fight for what is right.”
The verdict is a reminder that workplace discrimination and harassment are still prevalent in many industries, including the tech industry. It also highlights the importance of having strong anti-discrimination policies and training programs in place to prevent such incidents from occurring.
As companies like Tesla continue to grow and expand, it is crucial that they prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in their hiring and workplace practices. By doing so, they can create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of their race, gender, or background.