Tesla Faces California Bench Trial Over Alleged Racial Discrimination at Fremont Plant

Tesla is on trial in Oakland, California, facing a major lawsuit from the California Civil Rights Department alleging widespread racial discrimination at its Fremont assembly plant. The bench trial before state Superior Court Judge Peter Borkon opened Monday and is scheduled to run through October 30. Proceedings are split into two phases: first evaluating mandated workplace policy reforms, and second determining potential civil financial penalties. Originally filed in 2022, the suit alleges Black workers faced racial harassment, pay disparity, and restricted promotions. California law imposes no cap on damages, exposing Tesla to substantial potential liabilities.