Dozens of workers, families protest Tesla firings

FREMONT — Several dozen Tesla workers, family members and union supporters protested Tuesday at the automaker’s factory, seeking the reinstatement of some of the hundreds of recently fired employees.

A coalition of labor groups blasted the electric vehicle maker in a letter to Tesla executives, questioning whether union-supporters were dismissed because they publicly raised issues about wages and safety at the plant.

“Among the fired workers are people who have raised their voices with concerns about health and safety risks, fair pay and the right to organize free from intimidation, and we are concerned that these workers may have been unjustly fired for doing so,” union representatives wrote to Gaby Toledano, chief people officer at Tesla. “We are calling for reinstatement of these workers and fair treatment for all employees.”

A Tesla spokesperson did not immediately return a request for comment.

Tesla fired several hundred employees this month after annual performance reviews. The company insisted the workers were let go because of poor performance, while others were rewarded with promotions and raises.

Workers have told this news organization that between 400 and 700 employees were fired. Union organizers believe the count may be as high as 1,000 workers.

The widespread firings — ranging from factory workers in Fremont to engineers at the Palo Alto headquarters — come at a crucial production time for Tesla. The company is ramping up to mass produce its lower-cost Model 3 sedans. Tesla has about 450,000 reservations for the all-electric car, but produced just 260 last quarter.

The company also continues to struggle financially, losing $336 million in the second quarter. Tesla stock dipped in the last week, but is still near record highs.

The letter was sent by the labor councils of Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo and South Bay, and the California Labor Federation, East Bay Alliance for a Stronger Economy, Silicon Valley Rising and Working Partnerships USA.

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