A Tesla factory worker in California is suing the electric car manufacturer alleging that she was sexually harassed. The lawsuit filed against the automotive giant alleges that women are subjected to rampant sexual harassment at that facility.
What do we know about the Tesla plant where sexual harassment claims originated?
The San Francisco Bay Area plant in Fremont has been tied to controversy before. This includes a lawsuit alleging racism and issues over COVID-19 restrictions.
This is also the same plant where jurors recently ruled that a former employee be paid $137 million by Tesla for racism that was ignored.
What are the accusations in the lawsuit against Tesla?
The victim, identified as Jessica Barraza accuses company managers of using sexist language and behavior at the plant. Further, she accuses workers of frequent groping on the factory floor, as well as a lack of oversight by managers.
She alleges that while all of this was occurring – the company and managers at the plant did nothing.
“Although Tesla publicly claims that it fosters a safe and respectful environment for its workers, the truth its hat for years Tesla has subjected women working in its Fremont plant to nightmarish conditions of rampant sexual harassment,” the lawsuit reads.
“Nearly every day for three years, my female coworkers and I were objectified, threatened, touched, and propositioned on the factory floor,” Barraza said in a statement issued by her attorney. The 38-year-old says the countless complaints she made to managers had little impact on the environment women were forced to cope with on the factory floor.
What does the lawsuit seek from Tesla?
The lawsuit seeks damages, as Barraza deals with a post-traumatic disorder diagnosis.
She’s also seeking punitive damages in addition to general compensation. If the lawsuit is successful – Tesla would also have to implement training, monitoring, and a sanctions program to prevent future incidents of sexual harassment.
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