Tesla Employees Responsible For Autopilot Data Labeling Push For Unionization

A group of Tesla Inc TSLA workers responsible for labeling data for the company's Autopilot technology are seeking to unionize at its facility in Buffalo, New York, as shared by Engadget.

What Happened: The employees sent a letter to CEO Elon Musk about their intentions, citing concerns about better pay, job security and a less stressful work environment. Workers reported skipping bathroom breaks due to close monitoring of their keystrokes to track work hours.

The employees partnered with the Service Employees International Union affiliate Workers United, which successfully unionized Starbucks Corporation SBUX cafes in the U.S.

Tesla shut down a chat group the workers used to discuss their work conditions. This move by Tesla has further agitated the employees, who are seeking a more organized means of voicing their concerns.

Why It Matters: Last year, Musk challenged the United Auto Workers (UAW) to hold a union vote, claiming Tesla's non-unionized factory workers had the highest compensation in the auto industry.

The decision by the Buffalo workers to unionize could have a significant impact on the company's plans, particularly as the Biden administration signaled its support for increased union activity.

Photo: Courtesy Tesla Inc.