Electric carmaker Tesla has settled a former employee’s lawsuit alleging severe sexual harassment and retaliatory firing. Tyonna Turner’s complaint is one of several filed since 2021 accusing the carmaker of widespread harassment of female and Black workers at its Fremont, California, assembly plant.
The terms of the agreement were not made public. The decision to settle follows U.S. District Judge William Orrick’s previous ruling against Tesla’s attempt to move the case to private arbitration – a move now barred by a 2022 federal law regarding sexual harassment and assault claims.
The law ensures a transparent process over these serious allegations, empowering workers to speak out rather than allowing companies to handle these matters behind closed doors.
Turner’s Struggle Against Harassment at Tesla
Turner’s complaint paints a troubling picture of Tesla’s Fremont factory. Over nearly two years, Turner documented roughly 100 instances of harassment, including a male coworker following and stalking her.
When she reported the harassment and a workplace injury, Tesla dismissed her concerns with a disheartening, “That’s just how people are,” according to her supervisor. After Turner filed the complaint, Tesla fired her in September 2022.
A Pattern of Complaints: Tesla’s Ongoing Legal Battles
Turner’s lawsuit is far from an isolated case. Tesla currently faces at least six other sexual harassment and assault claims in California state court. These complaints share a common theme of harassment without sufficient intervention from the company.
Tesla faces other lawsuits accusing the company of widespread racial discrimination, including a class action lawsuit filed on behalf of 6,000 Black workers. The plaintiffs reported constant exposure to racial slurs and graffiti and then retaliation by the company after filing complaints.
Standing Up Against Workplace Harassment
The timeline of events leading to Turner’s firing and subsequent lawsuit is a stark reminder of employees’ challenges confronting workplace harassment. If you find yourself in a similar situation or face any form of workplace harassment, speaking out can help you and prevent others from enduring similar treatment.
First, document every incident with as much detail as possible, including dates, times, witnesses, and the nature of each event. This record can be vital if you need to escalate the issue. Next, report the behavior to your supervisor or human resources department. If the company’s response is inadequate or you face retaliation, contact an experienced employment law attorney to discuss your rights and next steps.