Some Tesla Workers Are Being Forced to Work

According to a memo from Tesla HR to the company’s employees, some workers may not have a choice but to work.
The electric vehicle maker’s HR boss Valerie Workman has told the company’s California employees that if they are called back to work and choose not to show up, they could stand to lose their unemployment benefits. She indicated that the decision would be up to the state of California and not Tesla.

It was this past weekend that CEO Elon Musk said he was suing Alameda County over the Covid-19 health orders. He also promised to move Tesla’s headquarters out of the state, and threatened to move all its operations out of California, too.

“Once you are called back, you will no longer be on furlough so if you choose not to work, it may impact your unemployment benefits as determined by your local government agency – and not by Tesla. We completely respect your decision and will support you, without any penalties from us,” the email from Tesla read.

The full e-mail reads:

From: HR
To: Everyone CA
Wed. 5/13/2020 [timestamp redacted]

Hi Everyone:

Yesterday, we met with Alameda County to review the comprehensive safety measures we have implemented to ensure employee safety. I’m pleased to share that local health officials announced last night that our Fremont factory can ramp up operations this week as we prepare for full production.
If you have already returned to the factory or have been asked by your manager to return this week, we are well-prepared to proceed safely and in alignment with all government precautions and the county’s requested safety measures.

If you are on furlough and have not yet been called back to work or contacted, you will remain on furlough until you hear from your manager. You can continue to apply for unemployment benefits and Tesla will continue to provide your health benefits.

If you have been working at home and have not been called back to work, please continue to work from home.
One other important note: Once you are called back, you will no longer be on furlough so if you choose not to work, it may impact your unemployment benefits as determined by your local government agency – and not by Tesla. We completely respect your decision and will support you, without any penalties from us. If you have been called back to work, but have not received your last unemployment check, you can continue to work and expect to receive your final check from your state. Some states are backlogged given the current circumstances.

I’m excited to see some of you at Fremont this week. If you have any questions, reach out to your HR partners or [Ed: email redacted].

Thank You Team!

Valerie Capers Workman | North America HR +

Musk had reopened the company’s main U.S. car plant in Fremont, California this weekend despite orders against it.

Disclaimer: We have no position in Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) and have not been compensated for this article.