Workers accuse Rivian of safety violations as UAW attempts to organize plant

By Michael Elkins

According to complaints filed in conjunction with the UAW, some Rivian Automotive Inc (NASDAQ:) workers have accused the electric vehicle maker of safety violations at its Illinois plant. The United Auto Workers union has been trying to organize the non-union plant for the past year. Rivian says its safety performance is better than its industry peers.

The complaints allege that the company ignored known hazards and deprioritized safety resources, leaving some workers to share respirators needed during the manufacturing process. The documents also detail a range of injuries, including a crushed hand, a broken foot, a sliced ear and broken ribs. One Rivian employee said management fished damaged electrical cables out of the garbage and told employees to use them.

“There’s a certain level of danger involved in manufacturing,” Don Jackson, one of the employees who filed a complaint. “But I was expecting safety to be a little more prioritized.”

A Rivian spokesperson disputed workers’ allegations but declined to comment on specific complaints, citing employee privacy.

“Creating a safe and inspiring environment is a daily practice we expect of every Rivian employee and is part of our operating procedures,” the company said in an emailed statement, adding: “We are not aware of any manager directing employees to share respirators.”

Shares of RIVN are down 5.95$ near end of day trading on Monday.

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