A California state judge has tentatively ruled that nearly 6,000 Black factory workers can sue Tesla as a group for alleged failure to address rampant race discrimination and harassment at its Fremont plant.
California Superior Court Judge Noel Wise in Oakland issued a written order on Wednesday, stating that the 2017 lawsuit raises questions common to the class regarding whether Tesla was aware of the alleged misconduct and failed to take preventive measures.
Tesla has maintained a stance of zero tolerance for workplace harassment, stating that it has terminated employees found engaging in misconduct. The plaintiffs claim that Black factory workers were subjected to various forms of racist conduct, including slurs, graffiti, and nooses hung at their work stations.
The tentative ruling precedes a hearing scheduled for Friday, where Tesla will have the opportunity to contest Wise’s decision, although judges typically maintain their initial rulings.
The ruling poses a significant challenge for Tesla, potentially exposing the company to a multi-million dollar judgment. The class comprises individuals who self-identified as Black and worked at the Fremont factory dating back to November 2016.
