Big Take Undocumented Workers Helped Build Elon Musk’s Tesla Gigafactory
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Feb 19, 2025 Julia Love, a Bloomberg reporter, reveals the hidden labor force behind Elon Musk’s Texas empire. She shares insights on undocumented workers who played crucial roles in constructing Tesla’s Gigafactory and SpaceX facilities, despite facing extreme conditions and a lack of legal protections. Love highlights shocking stories of workers suffering from heat stroke and wage theft, juxtaposed with Musk's contradictory anti-immigration rhetoric. Their struggles raise important questions about labor policies and the tech industry's reliance on vulnerable labor.
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Christy's Heat Stroke
- Christy, an undocumented worker, suffered heat stroke while cleaning at Tesla's Gigafactory.
- She worked 12-hour shifts in extreme heat with limited access to water.
Musk's Contradictory Stance
- Elon Musk, owner of the construction project, has strong anti-immigrant views.
- This contrasts with the undocumented workers who helped build his Texas facilities.
Musk's Evolving Views
- Musk's stance on immigration has shifted over time.
- He once supported visas for skilled workers but now expresses strong anti-immigrant sentiments.