The civil rights department of California has initiated an investigation into SpaceX for mishandling complaints related to bias and sexual harassment.
Former engineers from SpaceX have filed complaints alleging discriminatory practices at Hawthorne, California, including favouritism towards men in hiring and promotions, gender-based pay disparities, tolerance of sexual comments and harassment, and retaliation against employees who complain.
On 7 February 2024, Laurie Burgess, the lawyer representing the engineers, disclosed that the department had informed SpaceX of the complaints in January. The engineers had lodged complaints with the agency, alleging that they were terminated for criticising SpaceX and Musk in a letter addressed to company executives.
SpaceX has been given until the end of February 2024,to respond to the California Civil Rights Agency. Subsequently, the agency will determine whether to dismiss the claims or engage in negotiations. Should an agreement fail to materialise, the agency may authorise the workers to pursue legal action through lawsuits.
These incidents mark the latest in a series of accusations levied against Elon Musk’s companies for violating labour laws in both California and the US.
These same workers are involved in a case brought forth by the US National Labour Relations Board (NLRB) against SpaceX, accusing the company of breaching federal labour laws through their dismissals.
