Tesla accused by NLRB of crippling worker organizing efforts in Buffalo

CNBC obtained a copy of the complaint through a Freedom of Information Act request.

The policy prohibited Tesla employees from “recording, soliciting (sic) or promoting without authorization” and “creating distribution channels and lists,” among other things, the complaint states.

The NLRB also claims that this policy had the effect of “interfering, restricting, and coercing employees from exercising their rights guaranteed” by the National Labor Relations Act, which generally protects workers’ rights to discuss organization, join a union and bargain collectively. better wages and better working conditions.

The Tesla Buffalo factory was supposed to make solar panels but was more recently used to assemble electric vehicle charging equipment and to house a team of AI software data labelers.

Last month, the Buffalo plant saw a number of job cuts as part of a broader restructuring at the electric vehicle company. According to a WARN notice filed in the state, Tesla is laying off 285 employees in New York state, primarily at the Buffalo plant. The company is cutting thousands of jobs worldwide after sales of electric vehicles fell in the first quarter.

Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk, have clashed with union supporters and engaged in anti-union acts for years. In 2021, the NLRB ruled that Tesla violated labor laws when it fired a union activist and when Musk violated labor laws. wrote on Twitter in 2018: “Nothing stops the Tesla team at our car plant from voting for a union. They could if they wanted. But why pay union dues and give up stock options for Nothing ?”

An administrative court ordered the CEO to eliminate the position. Tesla challenged the order, but its request for review was denied. The post in question remains on Musk’s X account, where he has 182.7 million followers.

Tesla has also faced challenges over workers’ rights in Europe. Last year, Swedish service technicians began a strike that continues today, with the union group allowing some permitted work at times. Employees in Sweden, where the majority of employers are unionized, are seeking a collective bargaining agreement with Tesla.

Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Read the complaint here: