The US National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has accused SpaceX of unlawfully firing eight employees who circulated a letter criticising CEO Elon Musk. The letter, sent to company executives in June 2022, described Musk as a 'distraction and embarrassment' and highlighted his tweets that were sexually suggestive, claiming they violated SpaceX's diversity policies.
NLRB spokesperson Kayla Blado confirmed that a regional official issued a complaint alleging SpaceX violated federal labour law by dismissing the workers. The complaint also accuses the company of interrogating employees about the letter, disparaging those involved, and threatening further firings for similar activity.
SpaceX and lawyers for the employees have not commented. The case will proceed to an administrative hearing on 5 March unless a settlement is reached. If the NLRB finds the firings unlawful, it can order reinstatement and back pay, and future violations could result in stiffer penalties.
