However, the success of the German economy is based on a “constructive” social partnership between trade unions and employers. “Anyone who does not realize this is perhaps in the wrong place with their investment in Germany,” emphasized the Parliamentary State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Building.
The reason for this is allegations by IG Metall. According to the union, there is displeasure among the workforce about onerous shift systems, frequent overtime at weekends, a very high workload overall and too few staff. In addition, many employees are concerned that they could be monitored by a so-called “Security Intelligence Investigator”. Tesla did not respond to the allegations. A written e-mail request from the Handelsblatt remained unanswered.
The vice-chairman of the Greens parliamentary group, Andreas Audretsch, demanded clarification of the allegations from the top management. “Elon Musk should work through the alleged abuses in a transparent manner and correct them where necessary,” Audretsch told the Handelsblatt.
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Tesla has been producing electric cars in Grünheide in Brandenburg since March. The previous Tesla site covers around 300 hectares. Tesla boss Elon Musk’s company is also building a battery factory there. At least 8,500 employees currently work at Tesla in Grünheide. In the first expansion phase, there should be 12,000 employees.
SPD-Left demands increased controls at Tesla
According to IG Metall, it maintains good contacts with employees in all areas and conducts many consultations. Anyone who works for the carmaker has to sign a non-disclosure agreement with the employment contract, which is repeatedly referred to in everyday company life, explained Irene Schulz, district manager of IG Metall for Berlin, Brandenburg and Saxony, at the annual press conference of the union on Thursday in Berlin.
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The employees are therefore unsure whether they should even be able to talk to IG Metall about the employment contracts. “We don’t know from other companies that such questions are asked in this form and with such frequency,” said Schulz.
According to IG Metall, the job advertisement for a Security Intelligence Investigator at Tesla is also causing resentment. The ad text reads, “You conduct both proactive and reactive investigations and actively address internal and external threats to Tesla’s proprietary and confidential information.” whether they might come into focus themselves, said Schulz.
The head of the SPD-Left, Sebastian Roloff, said: “The incidents at Tesla give you a fright, they are not entirely unexpected – you could guess how the company is managed.”
But one thing is clear, emphasized the member of the Bundestag, in Germany the Works Constitution Act, co-determination and employee protection apply. Tesla must also adhere to this. “In my view, the reports give urgent reason for increased controls,” says Roloff.
Brandenburg’s Economics Minister calls for better working conditions
The federal deputy of the CDU employee wing, Christian Bäumler, also demanded that Tesla comply with social standards that are common in the German automotive industry. “The state government in Brandenburg is required to enforce occupational safety through close controls at Tesla without wrong consideration,” Bäumler told the Handelsblatt. Tesla has still not arrived in Europe with its internal policy. “The secrecy regulations at this car manufacturer are reminiscent of a sect,” said Bäumler.
Brandenburg’s Economics Minister Jörg Steinbach (SPD) called for better working conditions at Tesla. “In view of the bottlenecks in skilled workers and workers in Brandenburg, in the competition for personnel, only companies will succeed in the long term in attracting and retaining sufficient skilled workers and workers who offer attractive working conditions in the sense of good work,” Steinbach told the Handelsblatt . This applies equally to all companies, “but in view of the large number of staff increases required in a short time, of course for Tesla in particular”.
At the same time, the minister reminded that in the event of a conflict, trade union members can receive advice on labor and social law from the trade union free of charge. “In addition, employees can contact the works council if there are problems or concerns.”
According to IG Metall, Tesla is not willing to engage in dialogue. “Tesla is not a company – we know that from the USA – that necessarily seeks to be close to the unions,” said district chairwoman Schulz. “We very much regret that because we have a completely different tradition in Germany.”
Dealing with Tesla employees is likely to keep the union busy for a long time, especially since the group not only wants to expand its car production, but also wants to buy additional land in order to expand.
The plans for this are well advanced and are supported by the municipality of Grünheide. Mayor Arne Christiani (independent) believes that the development plan can be drawn up by the first quarter of 2024.
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