Tesla accused of ‘rampant sexual harassment’ at California plant

A TESLA worker has sued the electric car maker, alleging women are subjected to rampant sexual harassment at the factory and that managers have not acted despite her complaints.

The Fremont plant in the San Francisco Bay area of California has been involved in other controversies, including a lawsuit alleging racism and a battle over Covid restrictions.

In the new lawsuit filed on Thursday, Jessica Barraza says that she was the victim of sexist language and behaviour, including frequent groping on the factory floor, all of which was known to supervisors and managers and even perpetrated by them.

“Although Tesla publicly claims that it fosters a safe and respectful environment for its workers, the truth is that for years Tesla has subjected women working in its Fremont plant to nightmarish conditions of rampant sexual harassment,” the lawsuit claims. Tesla did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Ms Barraza alleges that one of her colleagues snuck up behind her before placing his leg between her thighs.

“Nearly every day for three years, my female co-workers and I were objectified, threatened, touched, and propositioned on the factory floor,” she said in a statement released by her lawyer.

Ms Barraza, 38, said she complained several times to supervisors and to a human resources representative, but no action was taken to her knowledge.

Instead, she believes she was retaliated against after various reports, such as being assigned to a new position or facing disciplinary action after the episode with the man placing his leg between hers.

On medical leave with a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder, Ms Barraza is seeking compensation and punitive damages, as well as the obligation for Tesla to implement training, monitoring and sanctions programmes to prevent any sexual harassment.

The lawsuit comes weeks after a California jury ruled Tesla should pay a black former employee $137million (£100million) in damages for turning a blind eye to racism he endured at the Fremont plant.

Last year, Elon Musk, the chief executive, feuded with authorities over the reopening of the factory during coronavirus restrictions and threatened to move his headquarters out of state. He told investors in October that Tesla was relocating its headquarters to Texas, where it is building a plant.

‘Nearly every day for three years, my female co-workers and I were objectified, threatened and touched’