SpaceX Faces Lawsuits Alleging Safety Retaliation

SpaceX Faces Wrongful Termination Lawsuits Alleging Safety Concerns

Former SpaceX supervisor Robert Markert claims he was dismissed after raising concerns about a potentially dangerous rocket fairing recovery procedure. He alleges that his warnings regarding the risk of “serious injury or death” were disregarded in favor of a more cost-effective approach.

Allegations of Prioritizing Speed and Cost Over Safety

Markert’s lawsuit is one of two recently filed by ex-SpaceX employees, both of which have been transferred to federal court. These complaints share similar accusations, suggesting that the company consistently prioritized rapid progress and expense reduction, even when it potentially compromised safety protocols.

SpaceX is currently focused on preparing its Starship rocket for various missions, including those for NASA, commercial clients, and the expansion of its Starlink satellite internet service. Simultaneously, the Falcon 9 rocket continues to be the most frequently launched rocket globally, with 87 launches recorded this year alone.

Demanding Work Schedules and Suppressed Injury Reports

Markert, who dedicated 13 years to SpaceX before his termination in April, asserts that technicians were frequently required to work extended shifts, sometimes lasting 15 to 20 consecutive days. When he voiced his concerns, he was reportedly told that “the schedule comes first.”

This rigorous work schedule, combined with a high-pressure environment, allegedly led to injuries among ship technicians, who were hesitant to report them. Furthermore, Markert’s proposals to enhance training and certifications were met with resistance, as the company reportedly refused to allocate funds or time for such initiatives.

Second Lawsuit Details Accommodation Concerns and Age Discrimination

A separate lawsuit was filed by David Lavalle, a SpaceX plumber, who alleges he was terminated after the company failed to provide reasonable accommodations for multiple work-related injuries. These included a fractured foot, neck pain, back and shoulder injuries, and wrist discomfort.

Lavalle reportedly refrained from filing workers’ compensation claims for all his injuries due to fear of reprisal. He was terminated just nine days after requesting medical leave for knee pain caused by gout. Lavalle, aged 60, began his employment with SpaceX in 2014 and claims his dismissal was part of a pattern of older employees being let go.

Legal Representation and SpaceX’s Response

Counsel for Markert has declined to comment on the case. Lavalle’s attorney has not yet responded to inquiries from TechCrunch. SpaceX has not issued a statement in response to requests for comment.

Elevated Injury Rates at SpaceX

Recent reports indicate that SpaceX experienced higher worker injury rates in 2024 compared to its competitors. Data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reveals that the Starbase facility in Texas recorded an injury rate of 4.27 per 100 workers, significantly exceeding the aerospace manufacturing average of 1.6.

The OSHA logs demonstrate that SpaceX’s west coast rocket fairing recovery operations have the highest injury rates across all SpaceX locations, registering at 7.6 injuries per 100 workers.

Court Proceedings

Both lawsuits were initially filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court before being moved to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California by SpaceX.