Germany's largest labor union has accused Tesla Motors of creating poor working conditions at its factory near Berlin, with tensions escalating ahead of a contentious works council election. The German metalworkers' union, IG Metall, stated on Wednesday that the U.S. automaker is overworking employees and pressuring those who are ill. The union has filed for an injunction with a labor court after Tesla allegedly falsely accused a union member of recording a works council meeting using a laptop. Additionally, the union has called for prosecutors to investigate a local Tesla manager for defamation.
Jan Otto, regional head of IG Metall, remarked that Tesla’s management is “attacking German trade unions with unprecedented aggression.” He added, “We cannot allow the company to act with impunity.”
These statements underscore the growing friction between Tesla and the union ahead of a critical works council election scheduled for next month at the German plant. IG Metall aims to secure a majority in the election to advance the implementation of wage agreements commonly practiced in Europe’s largest economy.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has repeatedly expressed opposition to unions and collective bargaining agreements. In Germany, labor representatives typically hold half the seats on the supervisory boards of large companies, granting them significant influence, including the power to veto strategic decisions.
Tesla has not immediately responded to requests for comment.
The upcoming election at Tesla, along with similar votes scheduled for March at Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Volkswagen Group, coincides with a period of strain in the European automotive industry. Companies are shifting research, development, and production to lower-cost countries, while demand remains below pre-pandemic levels. In recent years, the German auto sector has cut tens of thousands of jobs, raising questions about the role of IG Metall amid rapid industry transformation.
Tesla faces particular challenges—its European sales have declined sharply even as the electric vehicle market expands. The company manufactures Model Y vehicles in the town of Grünheide, where new car registrations in Germany plummeted by 48% in 2025. Employees at the plant have long complained about unfair working conditions.
IG Metall stated that it is cooperating in the investigation into the laptop-related dispute. The employee in question has reportedly provided authorities with access to the device to expedite the investigation and clarify the allegations. The union is urging improvements at the Grünheide facility, including increased staffing, more break time during shifts, and more flexible vacation policies.
Philipp Schwartz, a union member running in Tesla’s works council election, emphasized, “Employees deserve to be treated with respect. They no longer want to be treated as disposable machines that can be easily replaced when no longer convenient.”