Tesla Employment Law in California

One of the foremost technology companies in the country, Tesla has been at the forefront of the development and implementation of electric vehicles since the company’s founding in 2003. While corporate headquarters are in Austin, Texas, Tesla employs thousands of workers throughout California. The company has multiple production facilities throughout the state, including its main vehicle manufacturing plant in Fremont. In addition to manufacturing and engineering jobs, Tesla also has a significant presence in California’s technology and renewable energy industries.

But as an employer in California, Tesla is bound by the various laws that protect workers. California itself has some of the strongest legal protections and rights for employees nationwide, meaning Tesla has to comply with them.

Maison Law Stands Up For California Employees

At Maison Law, we believe strongly that every employee has a right to fair treatment and safety in the workplace. Whether your employer is a large, multinational company or a small business, California requires them to follow the law in the workplace. When Tesla or any other employer fails in their responsibility to you as an employee, our team of experienced Califonria employment lawyers will be there to stand up for your rights. To learn more about your options, contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Tesla and Employment in California

When Tesla was initially founded as a start-up in 2003, it was a natural fit within the ecosystem of California’s burgeoning technology sector. The company began in San Carlos and has gone on to become the state’s largest manufacturer and the top electric vehicle maker in the world.

According to internal company data, Tesla employs over 47,000 employees in California. With a focus on manufacturing, software, and development, the company contributed over $10 billion to California’s gross state product (GSP) in 2021.

As an employer, Tesla offers significant job opportunities across a variety of different sectors in California, including:

• Engineering and design – Tesla employs engineers and designers in various fields, including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, software engineering, and product design. These positions require technical expertise and experience in designing and developing electric vehicles and related technologies.
• Manufacturing and production – Tesla’s production facilities in California employ production workers, manufacturing engineers, and quality control specialists. These positions require experience in assembly line production, supply chain management, and process improvement.
• Sales and customer service – Tesla has retail locations and service centers throughout California, employing sales associates, service technicians, and customer support specialists. These positions require strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as technical knowledge of Tesla’s products and services.
• Information technology and software development – Tesla’s California facilities employ software developers, IT specialists, and data analysts. These positions require experience in software development, database management, and cybersecurity.
• Renewable energy – Tesla’s California facilities also employ experts in renewable energy technologies, including solar power and energy storage. These positions require knowledge of solar panel installation, energy storage systems, and energy management.

As this data shows, Tesla in one of California’s largest and most significant employers. Despite its status as an industry leader, Tesla–like all other employers in California–has to follow the legal guidelines and regulations set forth in California’s Labor Code.

What California Employment Laws Apply To Tesla?

Tesla may be one of California’s biggest and most successful companies, but it’s not immune from following the law when it comes to its workers. Thus, as an employer in California, Tesla is subject to various employment laws that protect the rights of employees and regulate the employer-employee relationship. Here are some of the California employment laws that apply to Tesla:

• Wage and hour laws – California has some of the most extensive wage and hour protections for employees in the nation. This includes being paid at least the minimum wage (currently $15.50 per hour), overtime, being provided with meal and rest breaks, paid sick leave and requires Tesla and other employers to give accurate wage statements. These protections are meant to ensure that workers are treated fairly and have access to basic necessities, even as they contribute to the economy of the state.
• Anti-discrimination and harassment – The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits employment discrimination and harassment based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, age, disability, and sexual orientation. Tesla, and other employers, must provide a safe work environment that’s free from harassment and discrimination for their employees.
• Workplace safety – As a vehicle manufacturer, Tesla has a larger than average responsibility to keep their workers safe while on factory floors. To that end, California has comprehensive workplace safety regulations that require employers to provide a safe work environment, training, injury prevention programs and personal protective equipment to employees.
• Family and medical leave – California law–the California Family Rights Act (CFRA)– requires employers to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to eligible employees for certain qualifying events, such as the birth of a child, a serious health condition, or to care for a family member with a serious health condition.
• Workers’ compensation – California requires employers to provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage to their employees, which provides benefits for work-related injuries or illnesses.

Overall, these laws are in place to ensure that the company provides a safe, fair, and legal work environment for its employees. Compliance with these laws is mandatory for Tesla to fulfill its obligation as an employer in the state. By complying with these laws and regulations, Tesla can maintain a healthy and productive workplace and prevent any legal issues that may arise due to non-compliance.

Legal Options For Tesla Employees in California

Like any other employee in California, Tesla workers have options available to them when they believe the company is violating their rights in the workplace. Depending on the law that Tesla violates, the employee can pursue these options with the help of our team of experienced California employment lawyers. These options include:

• Filing a complaint with the appropriate state agency – California has several state agencies that are responsible for enforcing their particular area of the law in the workplace. For violations of wage and hour laws or workplace safety regulations, you can file a complaint with the Labor Commissioner’s Office and its enforcement arm, the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE). For violations of the FEHA’s anti-discrimination, harassment, or retaliation laws, you can file a complaint with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). These agencies will review your complaint and perform an investigation into your claims. This may include inspections of your particular worksite and interviews with pertinent Tesla personnel or coworkers. Once the investigation concludes, the agency will issue a ruling and provide you with a “right-to-sue” letter that allows you to proceed to file a civil lawsuit if you choose.
• Filing a lawsuit – Ultimately, any violation of your legal rights by Tesla affords you the option of filing a lawsuit in civil court to recover damages. Consulting with our team can provide you with the best course of action, but most likely, a lawsuit is your best option for recovering the available benefits and support under the law. Once the Complaint is filed in the proper jurisdiction, the litigation process begins. This includes discovery, which is a lengthy process where evidence is obtained and exchanged between you and Tesla’s lawyers. After discovery is complete, the parties may attempt to reach a settlement through mediation or negotiation. If a settlement cannot be reached, the case will proceed to trial, where a judge or jury will hear the evidence and make a decision.

Damages

Filing a lawsuit against Tesla can be quite intimidating, given its vast wealth and resources. At the same time, it’s also your best opportunity to stand up for your legal rights and recover from what was taken from you after working for the company. In legal terms, these are known as damages, and typically include:

• Lost wages
• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Attorney’s fees and costs
• Punitive damages, in some cases

It’s worth mentioning that the amount of damages you can receive in an employment law case is heavily dependent on the unique details of your situation. In order to better understand what type and amount of damages your could potentially receive, it’s important to work with our team of knowledgeable employment lawyers.

Contact Maison Law For a Free Consultation

As an employee of Tesla, you know how rewarding and exciting it can be to work for such an innovative and successful company. At the same time, Tesla’s culture is known for being fast-paced and demanding. Sometimes, this can be a recipe for violations of your legal rights in the workplace. If this has happened to you, Maison Law can help. Our team of experienced California employment lawyers can help you understand your legal rights and options, and how you can hold Tesla–or any other employer in California–accountable. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to get started.