Lawsuit alleging discrimination refiled against semiconductor company TSMC in Arizona.

A group of current and former employees have refiled a class action lawsuit against Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), alleging discriminatory practices within the company. Initially filed in November 2024, the suit has now expanded to include over 30 plaintiffs who claim that TSMC engages in biased behavior that favors Taiwanese workers over their American counterparts. The workers also raise concerns about a toxic work environment and unsafe working conditions at the company.

One of the plaintiffs, Phillip Sterbinsky, a former senior technician at TSMC, shared his experiences of harassment in court documents. Sterbinsky alleges that he was subjected to verbal abuse by managers, being frequently berated and called derogatory names. He further claims to have overheard Taiwanese employees making disparaging remarks about African American colleagues, stating that they believed Black people were lazy and had an unpleasant odor. According to Sterbinsky, by the time he left his department in 2024, he was the lone non-Chinese and non-Taiwanese employee remaining on his team.

The lawsuit also calls out TSMC for allegedly failing to uphold diversity commitments outlined in the CHIPS Act. As of 2023, half of the company’s Phoenix workforce reportedly consists of visa holders from Taiwan, raising concerns about fair employment practices and inclusivity within the organization. Attorney Daniel Kotchen highlights the importance of adhering to US rules and laws, especially when receiving federal funding to create jobs in the country.

In addition to discrimination claims, employees have raised issues about safety violations at TSMC. Marcus Hernandez, another plaintiff in the case, alleges that he witnessed multiple safety breaches during his tenure as an equipment technician at the company. Hernandez recalls instances where managers pressured him to operate machinery without proper safety gear, putting his well-being at risk. The lawsuit outlines instances where the company allegedly planned to purchase safety equipment from a retailer under federal investigation for quality control issues, indicating a lack of regard for employee safety.

The refiled lawsuit sheds light on the challenges faced by employees at TSMC and highlights the importance of promoting diversity, ensuring a safe work environment, and upholding fair employment practices within organizations. As the legal proceedings continue, it remains to be seen how TSMC will address these allegations and work towards creating a more inclusive and conducive workplace for all employees.