Tesla recently announced that it would be cutting more than 10% of its workforce, including layoffs at its Buffalo, New York facility. The site in Buffalo is used for training Tesla’s driver-assist software and energy storage products.
According to a regulatory filing, Tesla laid off 280 workers at its Buffalo facility, which accounts for about 14% of the workforce at that location. The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act requires companies with more than 100 employees to provide 60 days notice before large-scale layoffs.
The layoffs have affected not only the Buffalo site but also workers across the country and some staff at Tesla’s international offices, including factories in California and Texas. The Buffalo facility is crucial for Tesla’s data analysis and training for its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving software, as well as the production of solar panels, EV charging, and energy storage components.
Severance packages are being offered to some of the workers who were laid off, with reports of packages equal to two months pay being given to some employees. This move by Tesla may mitigate any potential penalties for violating the WARN Act, which could entitle laid-off employees to up to 60 days of pay and benefits if proper advanced notice is not given.
Tesla has not yet responded to requests for comment on the situation. If you work for Tesla or have any tips, contact the reporter at gkay@businessinsider.com via a non-work email and device.