Tensions are rising again at Tesla’s Giga Berlin, just days before employees head to the polls to elect a new works council. In a pre-recorded video message played to staff this week, CEO Elon Musk warned that future expansion plans at Giga Berlin could be at risk if the factory does not remain, in his words, “free from external influences.”
While Musk did not directly name Germany’s metalworkers’ union, IG Metall, his comments were clearly aimed at the union’s growing role within the plant’s works council.
According to accounts from employees who attended the internal screening, Musk cautioned that if outside groups were to steer Tesla off course, it would make operations significantly more difficult. He reportedly ruled out shutting down the factory, but suggested that large-scale expansion would be unlikely under such circumstances. (via Handelsblatt)
A Familiar Flashpoint at Giga Berlin
The latest remarks add fuel to an already heated debate over labour representation at Tesla’s only European factory. As Drive Tesla has previously reported, relations between management and IG Metall have been strained in the lead-up to earlier works council elections, with both sides accusing the other of overreach.
Currently, IG Metall is the largest faction on the works council, though it does not hold an outright majority. With elections scheduled for early March, the balance of influence inside the factory could soon shift.
Expansion Hinges on “Favourable Conditions”
Despite the warning, Musk also struck a positive tone during the video interview, which was conducted in Austin alongside Giga Berlin plant manager André Thierig and played back to employees in Germany.
He praised the facility as one of Tesla’s most impressive factories globally, highlighting its cleanliness, organization, and team spirit. Musk reportedly described the site as an outstanding production facility with exceptionally high standards.
Beyond labour issues, the discussion touched on future growth. Musk signalled plans to further ramp up Model Y production, particularly if regulators approve expanded Full Self-Driving (Supervised) in Europe. He also suggested that future vehicles like the Cybercab could eventually play a role at the site, alongside potential involvement in Tesla Semi and Optimus-related projects.
Perhaps most notably, Musk indicated that battery cell production at Giga Berlin has just begun ramping.
Still, any large-scale expansion appears contingent on continued regulatory approval and support from the local workforce. If those conditions are met, Musk suggested Tesla could transform Giga Berlin into the largest industrial factory complex in Europe.
