TSMC sued for discrimination by employees

A recent class action lawsuit has been brought against TSMC, the Taiwanese microchip manufacturer responsible for constructing a vast facility in northern Phoenix. This lawsuit has evolved into a larger-scale legal battle with 17 plaintiffs and an extensive 160-page document detailing various allegations against the company.

The core accusations in the lawsuit revolve around claims of racial discrimination, worker retaliation, and deficient safety standards for employees. The lawsuit’s origins stem from an individual who worked in TSMC’s human resources division in California, alleging that the company shows preferential treatment towards Taiwanese and Chinese employees while discriminating against non-East Asian workers.

A significant portion of the lawsuit pertains to assertions of a hostile work environment by multiple plaintiffs. It is alleged that TSMC actively eliminates American workers in favor of foreign workers, particularly those from Taiwan and China. The document states that approximately half of the employees at TSMC Arizona are working under foreign visas.

Disturbing accounts provided by employees reveal instances of belittlement, verbal abuse, and racial discrimination within the company. Reports detail scenarios where employees were subjected to derogatory acts, such as one Black individual discovering a rubber chicken placed above their workspace, while others faced racist comments regarding their work ethic and ability, including derogatory beliefs about Black people and Americans in general.

Moreover, the lawsuit addresses various safety concerns raised by employees. Company policies were allegedly aimed at discouraging emergency calls to 911 and instead directed workers to use an internal emergency number. Additionally, employees highlighted issues concerning a lack of appropriate safety harnesses and safety training, leading to exposure to hazardous chemicals amid inadequate protective gear.

A particular section of the lawsuit highlights concerning claims related to a drug and prostitution ring operating at the TSMC site, with redacted portions reportedly related to allegations of sexual assault. Despite these serious allegations, TSMC has refrained from commenting on the ongoing litigation beyond the formal court filings, expressing their commitment to providing a safe and inclusive work environment across their global facilities.

The lawsuit serves as a potent reminder of the importance of upholding workplace safety standards and ensuring equitable treatment for all employees, regardless of their backgrounds. The outcome of this legal proceeding will likely shed light on the severity of the allegations against TSMC and highlight the need for organizations to prioritize employee well-being and safety in all operational aspects.