Tesla hit by racial abuse lawsuit

STORY: Fifteen Black former or current employees filed a lawsuit against Tesla on Thursday (June 30).

The California suit alleged they were subjected to racial abuse and harassment at its factories.

Most of the behaviour was said to have happened at Tesla's Fremont, California facility.

The workers said colleagues, managers and human resources employees made highly offensive racist and sexual comments.

It also alleged some of the plaintiffs were assigned to the most physically demanding posts in Tesla or passed over for promotion.

Another worker was allegedly demoted when they returned to Tesla after taking an authorized leave of absence due to catching Covid.

Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The electric car maker faces at least 10 lawsuits alleging widespread racism and sexual harassment.

Elon Musk's company has previously denied wrongdoing.

It also says it has policies in place to prevent and address workplace misconduct.

Earlier this week a California judge ordered a new trial over the damages Tesla owes to a Black former factory worker who accused the company of race discrimination.

That after the plaintiff turned down a $15 million award.