The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on Wednesday filed a complaint accusing Elon Musk's rocket company SpaceX of wrongfully firing eight former employees who drafted and distributed an open letter detailing workplace concerns. submitted.
letter, Distribution in 2022, criticized Musk's actions and the sexual harassment allegations against him, arguing that they were negatively impacting the company's reputation. The letter also said the company had failed to adhere to its “no haters” policy and sexual harassment policy.
The letter, whose author was unknown at the time of first reporting, calls on SpaceX to “publicly address and condemn Elon's harmful Twitter behavior” and to “hold all leaders equally accountable for bad behavior.” It called for a “clear definition of exactly what will be done”. This is intended by SpaceX's “no haters” and “zero tolerance” policies, and we will consistently enforce them. ”
The NLRB claimed Wednesday that SpaceX's employer told other employees that the open letter was the reason eight former employees were fired. The NLRB also alleged that the employer prevented employees from participating in the open letter, restricted its distribution, and even threatened to fire employees “if they engaged in protected collective activity.”
The NLRB alleges in its complaint that SpaceX's employer “interrogated other employees” about the letter and directed them not to discuss the interview, according to an NLRB press release. did. The NLRB said SpaceX's employer also “gave the impression that it was being monitored” by “reading and showing screenshots of communications between employees.”
The NLRB is seeking a settlement ahead of a hearing scheduled for March 5 of this year. The NLRB said the charges were the result of an investigation and not a board decision.
The NLRB's general counsel said it is seeking reinstatement of the employees and back pay.
Ann Scheyer, an attorney who represented eight former SpaceX employees in unfair labor practice complaints against SpaceX, praised the complaint in a statement. We cannot allow such serious violations of the law to go unchecked. I'm looking forward to the trial. ”
“At SpaceX, rockets may be reusable, but the people who build them are treated as expendable. These accusations show that SpaceX and its leadership have abused workers and suppressed speech. I hope that they will be held accountable for their long history.” Paige Holland-Thieren saidOne of the employees who caused the incident.
“I believed the NLRB would accept SpaceX's actions for what they were,” said Tom Moline, another complainant. “It was a feeble attempt to punish, intimidate and silence workers.” A toxic culture set by Elon Musk, enforced by Gwynne Shotwell, and enabled by every level of leadership at SpaceX. We will not be silent and are confident that SpaceX will be held accountable for its illegal actions. ”
SpaceX did not respond to a request for comment.
Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
