Tesla is a brand built on good intentions, from its push to alternative energy to ethical workplace policies. But, that good will is being put to the test, as the automaker has responded to accusations of exploiting cheap foreign labor.
The allegations claim that German contractor Eisenmann - and Eisenmann's subcontractor, ISM Vuzem - circumvented loopholes to bring in severely underpaid and overworked staff to the US to help expand Tesla's factory installations.
Who is to blame?
Tesla appears to be out of the hot water, stating that the company contractually obligates its contractors to "to comply with all laws," absolving them of any legal responsibility.
"If Mr. Lesnik or his colleagues were really being paid $5 an hour, that is totally unacceptable," the company added. "Tesla is one of the highest paying hourly employers in the US automotive industry. We do this out of choice, because we think it is right."
Tesla CEO and chairman Elon Musk also stated on Twitter that he had not been aware of the issue until today. "Sounds like the wrong thing happened on many levels," Musk wrote, concurring that Tesla will investigate the concern and "make it right."
We reported earlier this month that Tesla had bigger production goals than we thought the company's modestly-sized factories were capable of. We joked then that Tesla was either over-promising or harboring something sinister, and it's unfortunate that the latter may turn out to be true.
