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Tesla is facing a major trial over allegations that Black workers at its California factory were subjected to racial harassment, unequal pay and discriminatory treatment.
According to Reuters, the California Civil Rights Department filed a lawsuit against Tesla in 2022, accusing the company of allowing racial discrimination to persist at its Fremont plant. The agency alleges Black workers faced racial slurs and graffiti, were paid less than other workers and had fewer opportunities for promotions. The lawsuit also claims Black employees were disproportionately assigned to the factory’s lowest-paying and least desirable jobs.
Opening arguments began Monday (September 21) in the bench trial, Reuters reported. Judge Peter Borkon will determine whether Tesla violated California civil rights laws.
The trial is expected to continue through October 30.
The Guardian reported that attorneys for the state presented photographs showing racist graffiti throughout the factory, including racial slurs, swastikas, Confederate imagery and white supremacist symbols. Former Black employees also testified about alleged harassment and how the company responded to discrimination complaints.
Reuters reported that the case is part of a broader history of racial discrimination lawsuits involving Tesla. The company also faces a lawsuit from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and dozens of individual lawsuits from Black workers.
A federal jury awarded former Tesla employee Owen Diaz $137 million in 2021 after finding the company liable for racial harassment, though a judge later reduced the award, Reuters reported.
Tesla has denied wrongdoing. The company told Reuters that it does not tolerate discrimination and has disciplined or fired workers accused of misconduct.
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