Tesla Employee Sleeps in Car, Loses Job Amidst Layoffs

Tesla, the Texas-based automaker, recently conducted layoffs affecting at least 10% of its staff. The process lacked organization, with security resorting to badge scanning to identify laid-off employees. Among them was Nico Murillo, a production supervisor at the Freemont facility, who shared his layoff experience on LinkedIn.

Murillo’s day began at 4:30 a.m. when he found his account deactivated. By 5 a.m., he received an email notifying him of his job loss. Despite attempts to seek clarification from his manager, Murillo was informed that everyone had been affected. At 5:50 a.m., security revoked his badge, confirming his layoff.

Murillo’s dedication to Tesla included a 90-minute commute each way, leading him to sleep in his car, shower at the factory, and microwave dinners on workdays starting in 2023. Despite his loyalty and progression within the company, he found himself among those laid off.

The incident highlights the harsh reality of corporate loyalty. Despite Murillo’s contributions and dedication, his job was terminated abruptly, reflecting a broader trend where employees are seen as expendable resources.

The lack of job security has led to increased unionization efforts, with the United Auto Workers making strides in traditionally anti-union states like Alabama. Even Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga voted to join the UAW, signaling a shift in labor relations.

Following the 10% reduction in staff earlier this month, Tesla is now reportedly cutting more executives and members of its Supercharger team.

The layoffs include senior executives such as Rebecca Tinucci, the senior director of EV charging, along with most of the 500-person Supercharging team. Daniel Ho, Tesla’s head of the new vehicles program, and his team are also affected. These cuts come shortly after CEO Elon Musk emphasized the need for a stringent approach to downsizing in an email to executives.

While the exact scale of these new layoffs remains uncertain, previous reports suggest that Tesla could potentially reduce its total workforce by up to 20%, or over 20,000 employees.