What is the main topic?

The article discusses Tesla's dispute with IG Metall over labor practices at its Berlin gigafactory.

Why is IG Metall involved?

IG Metall seeks to represent workers' interests and improve working conditions at Tesla's Berlin plant.

What are the broader implications?

The dispute highlights Tesla's ongoing global challenges with labor unions and employment practices.

Editorial & Advertiser disclosure

Global Banking & Finance Review® is an online platform offering news, analysis, and opinion on the latest trends, developments, and innovations in the banking and finance industry worldwide. The platform covers a diverse range of topics, including banking, insurance, investment, wealth management, fintech, and regulatory issues. The website publishes news, press releases, opinion and advertorials on various financial organizations, products and services which are commissioned from various Companies, Organizations, PR agencies, Bloggers etc. These commissioned articles are commercial in nature. This is not to be considered as financial advice and should be considered only for information purposes. It does not reflect the views or opinion of our website and is not to be considered an endorsement or a recommendation. We cannot guarantee the accuracy or applicability of any information provided with respect to your individual or personal circumstances. Please seek Professional advice from a qualified professional before making any financial decisions. We link to various third-party websites, affiliate sales networks, and to our advertising partners websites. When you view or click on certain links available on our articles, our partners may compensate us for displaying the content to you or make a purchase or fill a form. This will not incur any additional charges to you. To make things simpler for you to identity or distinguish advertised or sponsored articles or links, you may consider all articles or links hosted on our site as a commercial article placement. We will not be responsible for any loss you may suffer as a result of any omission or inaccuracy on the website.

Home > Finance > Tesla castigates German union over attempt to oust works council head

Finance

Tesla castigates German union over attempt to oust works council head

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®

Posted on December 17, 2024

2 min read

Last updated: January 27, 2026

Tesla factory in Berlin facing union disputes over works council leadership - Global Banking & Finance Review — This image depicts the Tesla Gigafactory in Berlin, highlighting the ongoing tensions with IG Metall union over works council leadership, reflecting broader labor issues in German finance.

Tesla and IG Metall Clash Over Berlin Gigafactory Leadership

FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Tesla accused Germany's IG Metall union of trying to sow unrest at the EV maker's gigafactory near Berlin by seeking to oust the head of the works council, in the latest sign of the sour relationship between the two sides.

IG Metall, Germany's most powerful union, said earlier it had filed a motion with a local court to remove the plant's works council head - who is not a member of the union - from the committee.

The union cited violations to German labour law restricting IG Metall's influence and preventing it from properly representing workers' interests.

The move, which Tesla described as "desperate", reflects IG Metall's efforts to improve what it says are sub-par conditions at the factory, the only car plant in Germany not governed by a collective wage agreement.

The U.S. EV maker is fighting a similar battle in Sweden, where it also refuses to sign a collective wage agreement and is facing multiple lawsuits from the local union.

It is also embroiled in a series of legal disputes in the United States over employment practices, including cases alleging unlawful anti-union conduct.

Tesla denies that its working conditions are below average, saying it offers equal or better terms than those negotiated by unions.

"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 said in a statement.

"Our independence and the resulting good working conditions and secure jobs at our plant are a constant source of annoyance for the union."

Earlier this year, IG Metall failed to gain a majority in the Gruenheide gigafactory's works council, winning 40% of seats in what it says is a pro-management group.

In October, the union accused the plant's management of "aggressive tactics" against workers trying to unionise after it fired a union representative from the council.

(Reporting by Christoph Steitz and Victoria Waldersee. Editing by Mark Potter)

Tesla castigates German union over attempt to oust works council head

Quick Summary

Tesla and IG Metall Clash Over Berlin Gigafactory Leadership

Key Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions about Tesla castigates German union over attempt to oust works council head