US federal agency takes Tesla to court for "pervasive racial harassment" of workers

A United States government anti-discrimination agency is pursuing legal action against Tesla, led by Elon Musk, alleging that the company permitted "pervasive racial harassment" against Black employees at its flagship California car factory and took retaliatory actions against those who reported such incidents.

The federal agency, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, asserts that Black workers at Tesla's facility in California endured stereotyping, racial insults, and hostility dating back to at least 2015, USA Today reported.

This legal action, following unsuccessful mediation attempts, adds federal charges to existing discrimination claims filed by the state of California, individual lawsuits by Tesla employees, and a class-action lawsuit involving approximately 240 workers.

The lawsuit contends that Tesla "subjected Black employees at its manufacturing facilities in Fremont, California […] to severe or pervasive racial harassment and created and maintained a hostile work environment because of their race".

The suit also highlights disturbing details, such as graffiti on factory walls that reportedly included swastikas, nooses, and threats, some of which were allegedly found on vehicles being produced.

According to the commission, Black workers were routinely subjected to racist slurs, including variations of the "N-word", as well as derogatory terms like "monkey" and "boy." These slurs were reportedly used openly in high-traffic areas and worker gathering points.

In response to these allegations, Tesla has stated that it does not tolerate discrimination and takes employees' complaints seriously.