Rivian’s gender discrimination lawsuit reinforces a sad trend in the auto world
Can women survive in a ‘boy’s club’ culture?
Story byIoanna Lykiardopoulou
Ioanna is a writer at TNW. She covers the full spectrum of the European tech ecosystem, with a particular interest in startups, sustainabili(show all)Ioanna is a writer at TNW. She covers the full spectrum of the European tech ecosystem, with a particular interest in startups, sustainability, green tech, AI, and EU policy. With a background in the humanities, she has a soft spot for social impact-enabling technologies.
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A coincidence or a trend?
The fact that women areunderrepresentedin the automotive industry is no secret. To give you an example, in 2018, only16women (8%) were executives at the top 20 motor vehicle and parts companies in the Fortune Global 500.
And I seriously doubt that the number has significantly gone up since then.
But for the few that have made it to the top, I’m wondering, are they treated differently just because they are… women?
While a few women have broken through and reached the top, they’re still likely to face discrimination in the macho culture of the car world.
You only need a quick Google search to find a series of lawsuits similar to the one Schwab has filed.
GM, Uber, and Tesla under the microscope
In 2017, Heather Anger, a clay sculptor responsible for creating 3D prototypes of vehicles before they’re produced,sued General Motorsfor gender discrimination as well. She claimed that her male peers had a higher salary (despite their lower qualifications), were receiving more promotions, and were getting away with sexual harassment at work.
That same year, former Uber engineer Susan Fowler alsosuedher ride-sharing employer four years ago. And, you guessed it, the lawsuit was about sexual harassment and gender discrimination.
And the same goes for AJVandermeyden, former engineer at Tesla, whosued the companyfor “pervasive harassment” and unjust treatment. Similar to Anger and Schwab, she accused Tesla of paying her a lower salary compared to her male colleagues in the same role, promoting less qualified men over her, and retaliating against her for raising concerns.
A few months later, she was fired.
Fast-forward to 2021, Tesla is facing seven more lawsuits. In November,Jessica Barraza (who works at the Fremont seat factory, but is currently on stress-related leave) sued the EV maker,alleging “nightmarish conditions” and “rampant sexual harassment.”
In December,sixmore womenhave filed similar lawsuits, expressing their dismay over vulgar comments, catcalling,physically intimate touching, and discrimination.
Women aren’t attracted by the automotive industries
According tothe latest researchconducted by Deloitte and Automotive News, nearly half of female respondents working in the automotive sector would like to move to a different industry.
I don’t blame them.
The respondents cited lack of work/life balance and lack of promotion opportunities. A full 64% of the women asked believed that lack of diversity, equity, and inclusion prevented women from considering a position in the automotive industry.
Where does this leave the automotive world?
The answer is simple: in the past.
While most major automakers are coming around on sustainability and dedicating themselves to EV manufacturing, they won’t be able to tout their ‘futurist’ vision until they change their culture.
A single event, such as Schwab’s lawsuit, isn’t necessarily indicative of an entire industry, but a series of cases and survey data does hint at a disturbing trend: the automotive world is a “man’s world.”
It’s great that many car manufacturers are ready to overhaul their technology and whole business to adjust to new demands for sustainability — but they should use that momentum eradicate sexist work culture as well.
Update, December 15, 2021, 1125 CEST: Added information on the latest 2021 lawsuits
