Tesla is locked in an escalating battle with Germany’s IG Metall union, as tensions boil over at Giga Berlin. The latest controversy centering on IG Metall’s attempt to remove the head of Tesla’s works council.
Tesla’s works council is a key committee representing employee interests. The current council leader, notably not affiliated with IG Metall, is facing allegations of violating German labour laws. The union claims these breaches have obstructed its ability to represent workers effectively and safeguard labour standards.
Tesla, however, has fired back, describing IG Metall’s court motion as a desperate move. “Since the start of the Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenburg, IG Metall has repeatedly tried to cause unrest in our factory and put obstacles in the way of our success strategy,” Tesla stated. (via Reuters)
The automaker insists that its workers enjoy benefits equal to or better than those negotiated by union agreements, framing IG Metall’s actions as an attempt to undermine its independent operations.
Earlier this year, IG Metall’s efforts to gain control of Tesla’s works council were unsuccessful, with the union securing only 40% of the seats. This setback has spurred intensified efforts to challenge Tesla’s authority, including public accusations of “aggressive tactics” against pro-union employees.
The dismissal of a union-affiliated council member in October further inflamed tensions, with IG Metall accusing Tesla of targeting union advocates unfairly.
Tesla, for its part, continues to highlight what it sees as the benefits of its independent approach. “Our independence and the resulting good working conditions and secure jobs at our plant are a constant source of annoyance for the union,” the company said in a statement.
Germany isn’t the only country where Tesla is battling against a union. In Sweden, Tesla has refused to sign a collective wage agreement with IG Metall, triggering a series of sympathy strikes and lawsuits from local unions.
