In anticipation of the upcoming works‑council elections at Tesla’s Grünheide plant at the beginning of March, IG Metall is calling for improved working conditions.
District leader Jan Otto told the Süddeutsche Zeitung that a recent survey of employees made it clear the Gigafactory is a “bone‑crushing job”. He added that relief is only possible if Tesla has to shut down production because of sales problems, and that the management‑friendly works council has done nothing over the years to ease the pressure on colleagues.
The current works council is dominated by a faction led by former Tesla manager Michaela Schmitz. The union already controls about 40 % of the council seats and has repeatedly clashed with the council.
IG Metall has presented a ten‑point plan aimed at better labour conditions. One of its key demands is the end of nepotism: “Promotions must be based on performance, skill and qualification, not on a relationship with superiors”.
The union also demands less stress. “If we are expected to produce more, we need more people” Otto said. “When teams are understaffed, the lines must run slower; otherwise, the work will make us ill. Our health is more important than management bonuses and returns”.
Otto emphasised that IG Metall is asking Tesla to treat its employees with respect. “That means fair treatment, even when someone is sick. The pressure must stop that forces everyone to work despite health reasons”.