A troubling lawsuit has emerged against Gotion, a Fremont-based battery company, revealing a disturbing pattern of workplace discrimination and potential immigration law violations. The legal action, filed by three former employees, paints a stark picture of systemic racism and illegal employment practices at the high-tech facility.\n\nThe lawsuit, filed in Alameda County Superior Court, alleges that Gotion systematically discriminated against non-Chinese workers while illegally employing Chinese citizens on inappropriate visas. Plaintiffs Anirban Das, Atul Deshpande, and Betuel Olivares claim they were marginalized and ultimately forced out after attempting to address serious workplace violations.\n\nAccording to court documents, Gotion repeatedly violated immigration regulations by employing Chinese workers on B-1 business visitor visas, which explicitly prohibit regular employment. The company reportedly maintained a “revolving door” of workers entering the country without proper work authorization.\n\nRacial discrimination appears to have been deeply embedded in the company’s culture. Supervisor Chen Li allegedly made explicitly racist comments, suggesting that “old Americans” and “foreigners” were incapable of solving workplace problems. The plaintiffs were systematically stripped of job responsibilities and excluded from critical meetings after raising concerns about these practices.\n\nThe lawsuit also highlights significant safety concerns, with the City of Fremont reportedly shutting down the facility multiple times due to lack of proper permits and hazardous battery storage. Despite official notices, Gotion allegedly continued operations by covering up violation warnings.\n\nThese allegations underscore broader challenges in tech industry workplace practices, particularly around diversity, immigration compliance, and equitable treatment of workers from different backgrounds. The case raises critical questions about corporate accountability and the protection of worker rights in rapidly growing technological sectors.\n\nAs the legal proceedings unfold, the lawsuit serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles against workplace discrimination and systemic racism in the Bay Area’s tech landscape.