Tesla to Enter Mediation with EEOC Over Racial Harassment Lawsuit at Fremont Plant
Tesla has agreed to private mediation with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to resolve a 2023 racial harassment lawsuit involving its Fremont factory. Court filings reveal both parties aim to select a mediator shortly, with discussions slated for March or April. If mediation fails, a court proposal outlining next steps must be submitted by June 17, 2026.
The EEOC alleges Black workers endured persistent racial harassment at the facility, with retaliation against those who reported misconduct. This marks Tesla’s second attempt at mediation after unsuccessful talks in June 2023. Neither party commented on the ongoing case (EEOC v. Tesla, 3:23-cv-04984).
The lawsuit claims Tesla fostered a hostile workplace for racial minorities at the California plant, including severe harassment and punitive actions against complainants. The automaker previously disclosed the federal probe in regulatory filings.
