Labor board alleges that Lucid illegally terminated employees for supporting UAW

Electric-vehicle startup Lucid Group Inc. is facing allegations of illegally firing two employees due to their involvement with the United Auto Workers, according to a complaint filed by U.S. labor board prosecutors. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) regional director accused Lucid of violating federal law by engaging in threatening, transferring, and retaliatory actions against the employees. Additionally, the company was accused of confiscating union literature and creating an environment that suggested workers were under surveillance.

In response, a Lucid spokesperson stated that the company respects employees’ rights under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and expressed confidence that there is no factual basis for the complaint.

The UAW has initiated organizing efforts in non-union plants of 13 companies, including Lucid, Tesla Inc., Volkswagen AG, and Toyota Motor Corp. The labor board complaint emphasizes the potential for contentious campaigns in the electric vehicle industry.

This NLRB case against Lucid was brought to the agency by UAW last February, indicating that organizing efforts have been ongoing for some time. The UAW has also filed cases with the NLRB against several other targeted firms, alleging illegal union-busting activities.

In response to these labor disputes, 33 Democratic or independent U.S. senators have sent a letter to the CEOs of the 13 automakers, urging them to comply with federal labor law and to remain neutral on unionization efforts. The senators highlighted the importance of respecting workers’ rights, especially as companies benefit from federal funds related to the electric vehicle transition.

Complaints issued by NLRB prosecutors are reviewed by the agency’s judges, with the potential for rulings to be appealed to labor board members in Washington and federal appeals court. While the agency can order policy changes and the reinstatement of workers, it lacks the authority to issue punitive damages or hold executives personally liable for violations.