Former SpaceX employee Douglas Altshuler has sued Elon Musk‘s company, accusing it of disability discrimination and labor rights violations. A 58-year-old Washington resident claimed that he was systematically denied basic conditions for medical needs while working between 2023 and 2025, despite being diagnosed with chronic Crohn’s disease.
Altshuler joined SpaceX in June 2023, working in customer service. At first there were no problems, but in early 2024, his supervisor began recording every toilet weaning. Crohn’s disease, which Altshuler confirmed with a medical certificate, often requires an immediate visit to the restroom, especially during exacerbations. Despite this, the supervisor kept up the pressure and later used it during his performance review, accusing Altshuler of “shortcomings” that he had never warned him about.
Dangerous working conditions and retaliation
In addition to discrimination, the lawsuit cites dangerous working conditions. In November 2024, Altshuler was exposed to chemicals due to parts that were drying in the plant’s kitchen oven. After complaining to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, his new supervisor threatened to fire him, again because of “excessive” breaks. In January 2025, Altshuler was fired for “unsatisfactory work” despite the human resources department’s earlier dismissal of his harassment concerns.
“This is classic health discrimination and retaliation for defending your rights,” said Altshuler’s lawyer, Clive Pontusson. He said SpaceX’s actions violate the Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. Altshuler also requires compensation for unpaid overtime and being forced to skip lunch breaks.
Scandalous company
Crohn’s disease, which affects about 3 million people worldwide, requires medical intervention and a flexible schedule. The Altshuler case raises the question of how corporations balance efficiency with respect for workers’ health.
The case is part of a series of allegations against Musk’s company. In 2024, eight female employees accused SpaceX of illegal termination after publicly criticizing Elon Musk. The workers claimed they were punished for a letter urging them to distance themselves from sexist comments. Similar stories have happened at Musk’s other companies, notably X (formerly Twitter), where large-scale layoffs were accompanied by complaints of labor rights violations.
So far, SpaceX has not provided official comment on the lawsuit. The case could set a precedent in the fight for workers’ rights in the technology industry, where the high pace of work often ignores individual needs.
Earlier, we reported on how Trump and Musk kicked out an important NASA division.
According to Independent
