Concerns over Tesla plant

Germany’s largest union, IG Metall, has expressed concerns over developments in the new Tesla electric vehicle plant at Grünheide near Berlin.

Speaking at a press conference at the start of the year, Irene Schulz, the regional head of the union, said the company was not doing enough to improve working conditions and that its approach “left too little room for leisure, family and relaxation”.

The Grünheide plant is the US company’s first manufacturing plant in Europe and is expected to employ 12,000 when completed. There are currently around 8,500 employees.

While Schulz expressed her admiration at the speed at which the plant had been brought into production, and recognised the initial enthusiasm of many of those working there, she said there was now “growing disappointment” at what was happening.

She identified too-high workloads, an unsatisfactory shift system, work at weekends and too few staff as the key problems.

The union has also drawn attention to Tesla’s approach to commercial confidentiality, with employees frequently being reminded of the secrecy clauses in their contracts.

The appointment of a new security intelligence investigator, who will have a proactive role in dealing with both internal and external threats, has also caused concern.

Unlike other car companies operating in Germany, Tesla is not covered by a collective agreement.

And although IG Metall has members at the plant, Tesla has shown no willingness to begin discussions with the union — “something we deeply regret”, Schulz said.