In a recent complaint by a US labour agency, SpaceX has been accused of unlawfully terminating the employment of eight staff members who had expressed criticism towards the company’s CEO, Elon Musk. The employees had previously sent an open letter to SpaceX executives, outlining their concerns surrounding the work environment within the company. This letter reportedly described Elon Musk as a “distraction and embarrassment”, according to Reuters news agency.
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has filed a complaint against SpaceX, asserting that the company violated federal labour laws that protect workers’ rights to advocate for improved working conditions collectively. The complaint also highlights that the individuals involved in drafting the open letter were subjected to interrogations prior to their dismissal.
Lawyers representing one of the former employees, Deborah Lawrence, have accused SpaceX of fostering a “toxic culture” that tolerates harassment. In a statement, Lawrence emphasized that the purpose of the open letter was not driven by malice but rather by genuine concern for the mission and well-being of their colleagues.
The NLRB’s general counsel functions as a prosecutor in this case and will bring the matter before the five-member board, appointed by the NLRB president. If SpaceX declines a settlement, the case will proceed to an administrative judge for a hearing. The judge’s decision can then be appealed to the board and subsequently to a federal appeals court. A hearing to address the complaint has been scheduled for 5 March.
If the NLRB determines that SpaceX’s actions indeed violated labour laws, the board can order the reinstatement of the terminated workers and award them back pay.
This is not the first instance in which Musk’s companies have faced accusations of infringing upon employees’ rights. In October, the NLRB accused X (formerly known as Twitter) of wrongfully dismissing an employee due to tweets that challenged the company’s return-to-office policy. X denied any wrongdoing. Tesla, the electric car manufacturer, has also encountered numerous NLRB complaints, including allegations of racial discrimination at its factories. Tesla has vehemently denied tolerating any form of discrimination.
Furthermore, in August, the US Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against SpaceX, alleging discriminatory hiring practices towards refugees and asylum seekers. Musk responded to the claim on X, stating that US law mandates the possession of at least a green card for employment at SpaceX, as the company’s technologies are classified as advanced weaponry.
As this case progresses, it could shed light on the treatment of employees within the space exploration industry. Moreover, it may prompt a reassessment of the importance of transparency and open dialogue within such influential companies like SpaceX.
It is essential to closely monitor the developments in this case, as they will not only impact the affected workers but also have broader implications for labour rights protection and corporate culture across various industries.
