SpaceX, the prominent aerospace company recognized for its rockets and satellites, has been accused by a US agency of improperly terminating eight employees who circulated a letter criticizing the company’s founder and CEO, Elon Musk.
As per a complaint filed by a regional official with the National Labour Relations Board (NLRB), SpaceX allegedly violated federal labor laws by curtailing the rights of workers to collectively advocate for improved working conditions.
The circulated letter, sent to SpaceX executives in June 2022, scrutinized Musk’s tweets from 2020 onward, several of which were considered sexually suggestive. The employees argued that Musk’s statements contradicted the company’s diversity policies and guidelines on workplace conduct, urging SpaceX to disavow them.
The complaint also alleges that SpaceX interrogated employees about the letter, disparaged those involved, and threatened termination for similar activities.
Currently, SpaceX has not offered any response to these allegations.
Deborah Lawrence, one of the terminated employees, characterized SpaceX as fostering a “toxic culture” that tolerates harassment, especially against women. She stressed that the open letter to leadership stemmed from concerns for the organization’s mission and the well-being of its members.
The NLRB’s general counsel, acting as a prosecutor, is responsible for presenting cases before the five-member board appointed by the president. If no settlement is reached, the case will proceed to an administrative judge, with a hearing set for March 5. In the event of a finding that SpaceX violated labor law, the NLRB holds the authority to mandate reinstatement and back pay for affected workers. Moreover, the company could face increased penalties in subsequent cases.
This instance adds to a string of allegations against companies linked to Elon Musk. Reuters previously reported on unreported workplace injuries at SpaceX facilities. Additionally, the NLRB issued a complaint against X (formerly Twitter), another Musk-owned venture, for allegedly wrongfully terminating an employee over tweets challenging the company’s return-to-office policy. Tesla Inc., where Musk serves as CEO, has also faced NLRB complaints and lawsuits concerning race discrimination amid a union organizing campaign, with the company asserting a zero-tolerance stance towards discrimination.