Tesla issued a new statement denying reports that the automaker has been firing employees for COVID-19-related absences.
When Tesla reopened the Fremont factory in May, it told employees they didn’t have to go back to work if they were concerned about exposure to the virus.
However, in the past few weeks, there have been several media reports that Tesla has been firing employees for “quitting” their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic-related absences.
Yesterday, the Washington Post reported that Tesla had fired three employees for that reason.
They claim that Tesla remained faithful to his public policy at first:
“But the workers said they thought Musk’s order was upheld and that they could continue home without paying. The workers followed the human resources guide, then kept their supervisors up-to-date on their situations beginning in June, acknowledging that they remained concerned about being exposed. They said their managers were sympathetic and allowed them to stay home for countless reasons: fear of exposing a 1-year-old son who was born with respiratory problems in one case, an elderly stepfather cared for by the Tesla worker in another, and a fiancée who He recently had heart surgery and has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. “
However, employees claim they later received Tesla’s layoff notices.
The Washington Post reported:
“The company, including Elon, doesn’t really care about the health and well-being of employees,” said Nayo Miller, 39, of Richmond, California, who received a layoff notice on June 26 alleging that she had left her job. “Vehicle manufacturing replaces our safety.”
Tesla has released a statement on the situation.
The automaker claimed that the employees are still employed:
Recent reports that we have fired employees because of their concerns about health practices are fundamentally false. The employees cited in recent stories are still employed with Tesla and we have offered them to work multiple times.
Here is Tesla’s full statement:
Recent reports that we have fired employees because of their concerns about health practices are fundamentally false. The employees cited in recent stories are still employed with Tesla and we have offered them to work multiple times. All we have asked is that our employees speak to us and provide us with the details of their own concern so that we can do our best to help find a solution. Tesla not only offered employees a period of time to stay home without asking questions, it also relinquished our attendance policy for several weeks after we approved the reopening of our factories. Additionally, those who have family members at risk at home received two weeks of paid leave until May 31. Tesla also offers 14 days of COVID sick leave pay for employees who are quarantined, quarantined due to family members who are sick or test positive.
Tesla’s protective measures meet and exceed county, state, and federal guidelines, and we are working diligently to enforce them. As confirmed by regular internal surveys, the vast majority of employees approve of current safety measures. Contrary to what has been reported externally, for a population as large as a small city, we have had very few cases and those affected have returned to work or are recovering from their homes. The credit goes to our employees who are working hard to follow our safety protocols and to hold each other accountable.
We are working every day to make the right decisions for our employees and their families, and to prioritize their health and safety.
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