Tesla has reportedly informed workers at its battery factory in Sparks, Nevada, about upcoming pay increases for some set-rate hourly workers starting in January 2024. The company aims to implement a 10% raise for hourly workers, with adjustments ranging from $2 to $8.30 per hour.
Internal materials revealed that the pay adjustments will raise the hourly wage from $20 to $22 on the lower end and from $30.65 to $34.50 on the higher end. Tesla is also simplifying the pay structure by streamlining levels, ensuring that workers making between $26.20 and $30.65 per hour today will be adjusted to $34.50 an hour.
These pay increases are seen as a strategic move by Tesla to address worker concerns and potentially deter efforts to form a union or push for collective agreements in Nevada. The United Auto Workers (UAW) has expressed intentions to extend its influence to non-unionized automakers like Tesla.
The announcement comes amid growing labor-related challenges for Tesla, including a strike initiated by workers at Tesla service and collision repair centers in Sweden, which has spread to other Nordic countries. Some investors have also taken actions against Tesla due to its stance on labor unions, with a Danish pension fund selling its Tesla holdings.
Tesla’s decision to provide significant cost-of-living adjustments for Nevada Gigafactory workers aligns with the company’s need to retain talent amid increasing competition. The move also comes at a time when CEO Elon Musk’s public statements and controversies have drawn attention, potentially impacting the company’s image. Tesla has not yet responded to requests for comments on the reported pay raises.
