Tesla Fires New York Factory Employees For Unionization Attempt

Tesla has terminated the employment of dozens of workers at its Buffalo, New York, factory one day after they announced their intent to unionize, according to Tesla Workers United.

The factory does not produce vehicles like the Model S but does play a critical role in labeling data for the automaker's Autopilot semi-autonomous driving system. Plant workers also received an email Wednesday night informing them of a new policy that won't allow them to record workplace meetings without all participants' permission.

The Workers United group responded immediately by filing a complaint with the US National Labor Relations Board accusing the EV carmaker of illegally firing the employees as an act of "retaliation for union activity and to discourage union activity" and asked the board to seek a federal court injunction in order to "prevent irreparable destruction of employee rights resulting from Tesla's unlawful conduct."

Neither Tesla nor its CEO Elon Musk has responded to the media, which is expected because the company lacks an official PR department. The Buffalo facility employs over 800 people who, in addition to the Autopilot work, make solar panels.

Despite Tesla's decision to fire these employees, it's unlikely the issue is over for one key reason: it's against federal law to retaliate against employees for taking collective action regarding workplace conditions and this includes organizing unions.

Buffalo employees have complained about, among other things, an intense production schedule they say is bad for their physical and mental health. They're also demanding improved job security, more reasonable work hours, and better pay ($19 per hour is the starting rate).