Jessica Barraza, a Tesla production associate has filed a lawsuit in Alameda County Superior Court alleging that Tesla subjected its female employees to “pervasive sexual harassment” at its Fremont, California, factory.
“Nearly every day for three years, my female coworkers and I were objectified, threatened, touched, and propositioned on the factory floor,” Barraza claimed in a statement. “I wanted to come to work, do my job, and support my family without having to endure constant sexual harassment. I felt degraded, humiliated, and traumatized.”
According to the suit, Tesla Supervisors allegedly commented on Barraza and her female colleagues’ bodies, rotated her to a different assignment to place her with a colleague who was attracted to her, and used their position to silence women who raised concerns.
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The suit mirrors another one that was brought against Tesla by Owen Diaz, a former worker at the same plant. The court found in his favor after he revealed that he received racial epithets from colleagues who left offensive graffiti in the restroom, and used the “n-word” frequently. In Diaz’s testimony, he explained how he suffered sleepless nights and weight loss while working at the factory.
Allegations against the plant have been widespread. In 2020 alone, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing received 31 complaints alleging discrimination on the basis of race, age, gender expression, disability, and pregnancy, reports Bloomberg.
Barraza claims that when she attempted to complain to the HR department, the email she had been given was no longer live. Although she later told an HR representative about the events, she is aware of no steps being taken to address or investigate it by Tesla.
“Instead of protecting and promoting the perpetrators, Tesla should take meaningful steps to protect women and address the rampant sexual harassment in its workplace,” said Barraza’s attorney, David A. Lowe, Partner at Rudy Exelrod Zieff & Lowe. “We are bringing this case to put a stop to the harassment against Ms. Barraza and her colleagues.”