Tesla, the electric car manufacturer, has agreed to pay over $3 million to settle a lawsuit filed by black workers who claimed they were subjected to racial slurs and discrimination at the company’s Fremont factory.
The lawsuit, which was filed in 2017, alleged that Tesla failed to address a hostile work environment where racial slurs were used against black workers. The plaintiffs claimed that they were called the N-word and subjected to racist graffiti in the bathrooms.
The settlement, which was reached in September 2020, requires Tesla to pay $1.6 million to the plaintiffs and $1.7 million to fund diversity and inclusion programs at the company’s factory. The settlement also requires Tesla to hire an independent equal employment opportunity consultant to review and report on the company’s diversity and inclusion efforts.
In a statement, Tesla said that it was committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and that it had taken steps to address the issues raised in the lawsuit. The company said that it had implemented new policies and training programs to prevent discrimination and harassment in the workplace.
The settlement is a reminder that even companies that are seen as progressive and innovative can still have issues with diversity and inclusion. Tesla has been praised for its efforts to promote clean energy and reduce carbon emissions, but the lawsuit highlights the need for the company to also focus on creating a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment.
The settlement also sends a message to other companies that they need to take proactive steps to address issues of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Companies that fail to do so risk facing legal action and damage to their reputation.
In conclusion, the settlement between Tesla and the black workers who filed the lawsuit is a step in the right direction towards creating a more inclusive workplace. It is important for companies to recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion and take proactive steps to address any issues that arise. Tesla’s commitment to funding diversity and inclusion programs and hiring an independent consultant to review its efforts is a positive sign that the company is taking this issue seriously.
