Dutch chip machine giant ASML has sparked controversy among staff after inviting Elon Musk as a keynote speaker at a closed employee tech conference in Den Bosch this Thursday.
Some workers say they’d rather skip it entirely and boycott the event.
The uproar surfaced on Viva Engage, ASML’s employee communications platform. As reported by the Eindhovens Dagblad, employees argued that giving Musk a platform is incompatible with ASML’s values of equality and inclusivity.
It’s unclear how many workers are involved.
Why is Musk even speaking at an ASML event?
Musk will join ASML CEO Christophe Fouquet for a virtual conversation on AI, robotics, space exploration, and chip manufacturing, according to an internal company document.
ASML confirmed the invitation to NOS, saying it was made “in the context of the Terafab project, which is highly relevant to the semiconductor industry.”
Terafab is Musk’s planned chip mega-factory in Texas and is a joint venture between Tesla, SpaceX, and Intel.
However, ASML’s advanced machines are reportedly needed for the project.
What are employees objecting to?
Workers aren’t disputing Musk’s engineering credentials. Their objections are towards him as a person.
On the employee platform, staff cited his political activities in the US, his Nazi sympathies, his views on transgender people, and his anti-European stance.
They argue these positions are directly at odds with ASML’s inclusivity policy, which is meant to guarantee a place for everyone regardless of background or sexual orientation.
Meanwhile, according to Eindhoven’s Dagblad, ASML describes “the dialogue on Viva Engage” as “a balanced exchange of perspectives.”
The company is committed to an “inclusive work environment in which everyone feels valued and respected and is free to express their opinion.”
One thing, however, is for certain: Musk can’t say the same.
Do you think ASML was right to invite Musk? Let us know in the comments.
