In advance of the March factory‑wide elections at Tesla’s Grünheide plant, IG Metall is demanding improved working conditions.
In a survey of employees, the workforce described the work at the Gigafactory as “a bone‑cracking job”. Jan Otto, IG Metall’s district chief, said there is only relief, and that relief comes if the company must shut down production because of sales problems. “The company’s close‑to‑management works council has done nothing in all these years to ease the pressure on the workers” he said to the “Süddeutsche Zeitung”.
Currently, the Tesla works council is dominated by a faction headed by former senior manager Michaela Schmitz. The IG Metall, which represents roughly 40 % of the council, frequently clashes with this group.
To address the concerns, IG Metall has put forward a ten‑point plan. Highlights include putting an end to nepotism and ensuring that promotions are based on performance, ability and qualification rather than relationships with supervisors.
The union also wants less stress. “If we are expected to produce more, we need more people” Otto said. “When teams are understaffed, production lines should run slower. Otherwise, the work becomes detrimental to health. Our health is more important than manager bonuses or corporate returns”.
Finally, Otto stressed that IG Metall members want Tesla to treat their employees with respect. “This means fair treatment even when someone falls ill, and a clear stop to the pressure on everyone who has to take time off for health reasons”.
