TSMC Arizona Lawsuit: Male Technician Claims Buttocks Patting and Rubber Chicken Incident by Colleague

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Expanded Lawsuit Reveals Allegations Against TSMC

A lawsuit against Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has seen significant growth, now encompassing 17 plaintiffs who claim the company engages in discriminatory and unsafe practices. Initially filed last year, concerns were predominantly around conditions at TSMC’s much-anticipated Arizona facility. The plaintiffs, all American citizens, assert that during their time at TSMC Arizona, they encountered discrimination, a preference for Mandarin during hiring processes, and unsafe work environments.

Lawsuit Highlights Discriminatory Allegations

Originally filed in November with 12 plaintiffs, the lawsuit was refiled in June, expanding to include five additional claimants, all of whom are current or former employees at TSMC Arizona. The complaint outlines numerous instances of safety violations and discrimination within the workplace.

Allegations indicate that TSMC shows a clear preference for hiring Taiwanese or Chinese individuals. The plaintiffs argue that resumes of potential hires are primarily sourced from a Taiwanese HR team, favoring candidates who are already eligible to work in the U. S.

A significant element of the plaintiffs’ claims pertains to language discrimination. Invitations to job fairs, as mandated by TSMC’s Taiwan headquarters, are predominantly issued in Chinese, allegedly targeting only candidates of favorable ethnicity. Meetings are reported to be conducted in Mandarin, often excluding non-East Asian employees from key discussions.

Furthermore, American employees at TSMC are reportedly subjected to exclusion by their Taiwanese counterparts throughout training periods in Taiwan, where Mandarin is largely used, contributing to a feeling of isolation. The lawsuit claims that these employees experience a hostile work environment, characterized by verbal denigration from management and being sidelined during discussions due to language barriers.

Culture and Hostility in the Workplace

The lawsuit also sheds light on TSMC’s expressed preference for Mandarin in U. S.job postings, where language proficiency in Mandarin or Chinese is often listed as a necessity. There are claims asserting that American employees, especially non-East Asians, face a persistently hostile work culture. Complainants describe instances where American team members are routinely called “stupid”or “lazy, ”despite their contributions and expertise.

“At TSMC, it is common for American workers’ strong performances to be downplayed or discredited, ”claim the plaintiffs. This discrimination allegedly results in harsher reviews for American employees, leading to fewer promotions and opportunities for advancement.

TSMC American engineers comments — A commentary snippet regarding TSMC’s American engineers on a Taiwanese platform from November 2022.

James Perry, a Chief Human Resources Business Partner and claimant, reported derogatory remarks made by a Taiwanese manager during a meeting, highlighting, “I’m so embarrassed; Americans are lazy, they don’t work hard enough.” Perry also cited his work tenure at TSMC as fraught with complaints regarding discriminatory treatment, culminating in a hostile exit from the company.

Such sentiments are echoed by other plaintiffs including Elena Huizar, who recalled a conversation with HR director Ted Chiang regarding the hiring practices that favored Taiwanese nationals over Americans, with Chiang stating that TSMC is “an Asian company.”

Another concerned individual, Lacey Bostick, detailed the treatment he faced from Tricia Chu, TSMC Arizona’s Treasurer, who allegedly berated him during meetings, calling him “stupid” and dismissing his plans as “not the TSMC way.”

Reports of Hostile Workplace Conditions

The lawsuit also discusses severe instances of safety violations. For example, Antonio Fisher, a USAF veteran, detailed a perilous incident where his request for transportation during training in Taiwan was denied, leading to a serious accident. He also reported that most of his training and communications were conducted in Mandarin, creating significant barriers. His experience included unwelcome physical contact and inappropriate comments.

Additionally, Jyni Wyse, a laboratory technician, recounted an incident where inadequate safety protocols led to her struggling with breathing difficulties after inhaling hazardous chemicals. Following her complaint with OSHA, she alleges facing retaliation from the company, including isolation during working hours.

TSMC’s Response to Allegations

When contacted for a statement regarding the allegations, TSMC responded:

“Our policy is to not comment on litigation outside of court filings. We’re proud of the global team of more than 3, 000 people that has come together to make our new facility in Arizona a success, and we look forward to growing the site into a major center of American semiconductor manufacturing excellence. TSMC is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for our employees, contractors, and everyone who works at our facilities around the world.”

The legal case, documented under 5:24-cv-5684-VKD, is currently proceeding in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, San Jose Division.

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