Tesla Fires Employees Pushing for US Union... Controversy Over Retaliatory Actions

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] Tesla has sparked controversy over so-called 'retaliatory personnel actions' by firing dozens of employees who were attempting to form a labor union at its Buffalo factory in New York State.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Local media, including The New York Times (NYT), reported on the 16th (local time) citing a report submitted by the United Auto Workers (WU), which is pushing for Tesla's union establishment, to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The United Auto Workers stated, "Tesla illegally fired employees as retaliation against union formation and to obstruct union activities," and added, "We have requested an injunction from the federal court to prevent Tesla's illegal actions from destroying employees' rights."

Tesla's dismissal action came after employees at the Buffalo factory emailed CEO Elon Musk the day before, expressing their intention to form a union. They claimed they were treated like robots at the Tesla factory and demanded wage increases and improved working conditions. Arian Bereck, who was listed on the union organizing committee and received a dismissal notice, said, "This is retaliation for announcing the push to form a union," and insisted, "The company should be ashamed."

Additionally, on the evening of the previous day, Tesla employees received an email about a new policy prohibiting recording of internal meetings unless all attendees consent. Sarah Costantino, a Tesla employee and union organizer, criticized, "These actions will not stop us," and said, "They want to intimidate us, but it will backfire. It made us realize why we need a union."

CEO Musk, who adheres to a no-union management principle, has clashed for years with those supporting union establishment. In 2017, Richard Ortiz, who was engaged in union activities at the Tesla factory, was fired. The court later ruled this illegal. Under federal law, retaliation against workers who take collective actions such as union organizing or working condition protests is prohibited.