As outlined in the filing, workers allege that their colleagues frequently used the N-word and other racist or discriminatory terms like “slavery” or “plantation” to describe the factory’s work culture. In addition, Tesla allegedly left racist graffiti on bathroom walls, benches, lockers, and workstations that contained “KKK,” the N-word, and drawings of swastikas.
The lawsuit 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.” One former worker, Jasmin Wilson, claims she was sexually and racially harassed by her coworkers and managers. Her managers allegedly did nothing to report the discrimination and instead established policies targeting Wilson in retaliation for her complaints.
Another worker, Nathaniel Aziel Gonsalves, claims he was suddenly fired after nine years at Tesla in retaliation for continually reporting racial discrimination at the company. Several other workers claim they were denied promotions on the basis of race, as well as given the “most physically demanding” jobs at Tesla.