The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) now has its sights set on Lucid, filing a complaint accusing the automaker of terminating two employees who actively supported a United Auto Workers (UAW) union organizing effort.
On Tuesday, a complaint was submitted by the NLRB’s regional director in Arizona, home to Lucid’s factory AMP-1, after launching an inquiry into the dismissals in the early part of 2023. The agency disclosed the investigation and complaint on Thursday.
Lucid has denied the allegations, emphasizing its commitment to respecting employees’ rights under the National Labor Relations Act. (via Bloomberg)
“Lucid respects employees’ rights under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) to choose whether or not to organize. We are confident that there is no factual basis for the complaint.”
The UAW’s broader initiative to organize workers at 13 nonunion automakers, including foreign automakers like Toyota, Honda, and Volkswagen, as well as domestic EV manufacturers such as Tesla and Rivian, was officially announced in November. However, the complaint against Lucid Motors predates this announcement, dating back to February 2023.
In particular, the case against Lucid Motors highlights the prolonged and difficult process faced by employees seeking reinstatement and backpay after alleged unfair labor practices. The hearing on the NLRB complaint is scheduled for October 9, 2024, nearly two years after the initial complaints were brought to the attention of the NLRB.
The NLRB is no stranger to Tesla as well, having fought the federal labour agency over claims it violated factory worker’s rights by prohibiting them from wearing t-shirts supporting a union campaign.
