In a recent development, the U.S. National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has filed a complaint against SpaceX, the aerospace manufacturer and space transportation company led by Elon Musk. The complaint alleges that the company illegally fired eight employees after they wrote an open letter critical of Musk and accused the workplace of being selectively permissive of sexual harassment.

Obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, CNBC reported on the details of the NLRB complaint. According to the complaint, the eight employees engaged in concerted activities by drafting and distributing an open letter that voiced their concerns about the workplace. The letter specifically highlighted Musk's behavior in the public sphere as a source of distraction and embarrassment for the employees.

The open letter also mentioned Musk's posts on social media, which were deemed divisive, as well as allegations of sexual misconduct on his part. The employees believed that these actions went against the company's "no assholes" and "zero tolerance" policies. The disclosure of the open letter came after a report by Business Insider, which revealed a sexual harassment claim against Musk made by a flight attendant, resulting in a settlement of $250,000 in 2018.

Despite Musk denying the sexual misconduct allegations and SpaceX COO and President Gwynne Shotwell defending him against accusations of sexual harassment, the NLRB found that SpaceX management conducted interrogations of the open letter's authors and made coercive statements, including suggesting that the employees should quit if they disagreed with Musk's behavior.

Eventually, the complaint alleges that SpaceX unlawfully terminated the eight employees for engaging in protected speech. Notably, Elon Musk, who presents himself as a free speech advocate, has faced criticism for his companies' attempts to stifle critical speech against him and his ventures.

Attorney Laurie Burgess, representing the fired employees, stated that her clients have also filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, accusing SpaceX of failing to address sexual harassment in the workplace. Given SpaceX's significant operations and headquarters in Hawthorne, California, the complaint is a significant step in pursuing justice for those affected.

At present, neither SpaceX nor the California Civil Rights Department have provided any comments regarding the respective complaints. The NLRB's regional director issued the consolidated complaint, and efforts will be made to reach a settlement between SpaceX and the ex-employees. However, if a settlement is not reached, a hearing before an NLRB Administrative Law Judge is scheduled to commence on March 5, 2024, in Los Angeles.

It is important to note that the decision made by the Administrative Law Judge is not necessarily final and can be appealed to the NLRB board and federal appeals court.

As the case progresses, it shines a spotlight on the issues of workplace culture, free speech, and allegations of misconduct within one of the leading aerospace companies in the United States.

-[Official Details Obtained]