by Lawsuit Against Tesla Regarding Hiring Practices
A new class-action lawsuit against Tesla, filed in San Francisco, accuses the automaker of violating federal civil rights laws. According to the lawsuit, the company favored workers with visas to reduce labor costs while laying off American citizens. The document states that Tesla hired 1,355 specialists with H-1B visas in 2024, while thousands of American workers were laid off.
Discriminatory Hiring Practices
The lawsuit claims that Tesla refused interviews to candidates who did not require work sponsorship, indicating their U.S. citizenship. Two plaintiffs, Scott Taub and Sophia Brander, report that they were denied employment after it was revealed they did not need visa support. This, in their opinion, indicates a systematic bias by the company in favor of foreign workers.
Questions of Wages and “Wage Theft”
The lawsuit also mentions the term “wage theft,” as, according to the plaintiffs, Tesla could pay workers with visas less than American employees for similar work. This allowed the company to save on costs but simultaneously violated the rights of local workers.
Elon Musk’s Position
Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who himself once had an H-1B visa, has publicly expressed support for this program. In December 2024, he wrote on the social network X that it was thanks to the H1B that he and many other key specialists were able to build companies like SpaceX and Tesla, which made America stronger.
This case could have serious consequences for Tesla, as it touches not only on issues of discrimination but also on the company’s overall policy regarding hiring and retaining personnel. If found guilty, Tesla could face significant financial damages and reputational losses, which would affect its future operations in the labor market.
