SpaceX Worker Diagnosed with Crohn's Disease Claims Unfair Termination due to Frequent Bathroom Breaks
Douglas Altshuler, a former SpaceX employee, has filed a federal discrimination lawsuit against the company. The lawsuit, which was first obtained by The Independent last week, alleges that Altshuler was subjected to discrimination, retaliation, and illegal termination during his 18-month employment at SpaceX's Redmond, Washington, facility.
Altshuler, who was hired in June 2023 to handle customer support calls, claims that he was promised reasonable accommodations for his bathroom needs due to his Crohn's disease. However, his direct supervisor continued to criticise him for taking frequent bathroom breaks, despite a doctor's letter explaining his condition.
The lawsuit further alleges that Altshuler was exposed to chemicals in the kitchen oven in November, which he reported to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. He also claims that he was often denied meal breaks and proper overtime pay.
In October 2024, Altshuler was assigned a new supervisor. However, instead of resolving the issue, Altshuler claims that he was further retaliated against for using the bathroom. After he appealed to higher-ups at SpaceX, his supervisor allegedly retaliated during his next performance review, leading to his termination on January 9, 2025, reportedly for alleged deficient performance.
Clive Pontusson, a former trial attorney for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, stated that Altshuler intends to seek all legal remedies available to him. The National Labor Relations Board has also accused SpaceX of illegally firing eight employees in January 2024, although it's unclear if these cases are related to Altshuler's lawsuit.
It's important to note that the current status of Altshuler's federal discrimination lawsuit against SpaceX cannot be determined from the available data. If further updates become available, they will be reported accordingly.
- Douglas Altshuler, a former employee at SpaceX, is taking legal action, filing a federal discrimination lawsuit against the company.
- After being diagnosed with Crohn's disease, Altshuler was promised reasonable accommodations for his bathroom needs, but this was not upheld by his direct supervisor.
- Altshuler was subjected to criticism for frequent bathroom breaks, despite presenting a doctor's letter that explained his medical condition.
- In addition to bathroom-related issues, Altshuler claims he was exposed to chemicals, denied meal breaks, and not properly compensated for overtime.
- SpaceX's handling of Altshuler's case has led to allegations of discrimination, retaliation, and illegal termination.
- Clive Pontusson, a former attorney for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, suggests that Altshuler is seeking all available legal remedies.
- The National Labor Relations Board has accused SpaceX of illegally firing eight employees in January 2024, though it's undetermined if these cases are connected to Altshuler's lawsuit.
- The current status of Altshuler's lawsuit against SpaceX is uncertain, with updates to be reported as they become available.
- These events highlight the importance of workplace-wellness and the need to address medical conditions such as chronic diseases, including chronic kidney disease, in the tech industry and beyond, and the role of organizations like OSHA in ensuring safe and fair workplaces, as well as the relevance of topics such as mental health, finance, business, education and self-development, general news, and sports in these discussions.
