Elon Musk's SpaceX Under Investigation For Discrimination, Sexual Harassment
In the SpaceX complaints, employees cite a pattern of discrimination, as well as inappropriate tweets by Musk that they said they could not easily avoid because he uses the platform for important company announcements
SpaceX, the aerospace manufacturer led by Elon Musk, is facing an investigation by the California Civil Rights Department in the U.S. over allegations of discrimination and sexual harassment.
According to reports, former employees have claimed that SpaceX executives not only made jokes about sexual harassment but also fired workers who voiced concerns. The investigation comes after complaints from workers about gender discrimination at SpaceX, alleging a consistent pattern of such behavior.
getty
No comments from Musk
Employees have also raised concerns about Elon Musk's tweets, stating that they could not easily avoid them as Musk often uses the platform for important company announcements. Neither SpaceX nor Musk has commented on the ongoing investigation.
This investigation follows a similar action against Tesla, another company led by Elon Musk, by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). The DFEH sued Tesla, accusing it of operating a racially segregated workplace in California.
Some evidence found from Tesla factory
doj
According to DFEH Director Kevin Kish, after receiving numerous complaints from workers, evidence was found that Tesla's Fremont factory was a racially segregated workplace. The complaint alleges that Black workers faced racial slurs and discrimination in job assignments, discipline, pay, and promotions, leading to a hostile work environment. Tesla has not yet commented publicly on the lawsuit.
The former employees who accused SpaceX of firing them illegally have lodged a complaint with the U.S. National Labor Relations Board. They claim that they were terminated unlawfully for raising concerns about sexual harassment.
Scrutiny into workplace practices
The investigation by the California Civil Rights Department is part of the broader scrutiny into workplace practices, shedding light on the treatment of employees at Musk-led companies and raising questions about the overall work culture in the tech industry.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how SpaceX will address these allegations and what impact it might have on the company's reputation and operations.
With agencies inputs
News Editor with Indiatimes. He writes on National Affairs and the Middle East.
