German Union Submits Defamation Complaint Against Tesla Factory Manager

Germany’s IG Metall has taken a significant step by filing a criminal complaint against the manager of Tesla’s factory located near Berlin. The union has accused the manager of “spreading false allegations,” highlighting the deteriorating relationship between the U.S. automaker and the labor organization.

In addition to the criminal complaint, IG Metall has sought a temporary injunction from a labor court aimed at preventing Andre Thierig from making further allegations. As of now, Tesla has not provided a response to the union’s claims or the request for comment sent via email.

The conflict stems from a recent incident where Tesla lodged a criminal complaint against an IG Metall member. This member is accused of secretly recording a works council meeting at the plant. Tesla has confirmed the existence of a memo regarding this situation, which has been shared with staff and was reviewed by Reuters.

In a further escalation of tensions, IG Metall announced that it is preparing to file a lawsuit against Tesla for obstructing union activities. Union representative Jan Otto expressed the organization’s stance, stating, “Legal disputes are not our preferred form of dispute resolution. But when a company fights workers’ participation and union work so aggressively, we defend ourselves with all means at our disposal, including legal ones.”

(Reporting by Linda Pasquini; additional reporting by Ilona Wissenbach; editing by Mark Potter)

Photograph: The Tesla Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenburg plant is seen on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024. (Patrick Pleul/dpa via AP)

Germany’s IG Metall has taken a significant step by filing a criminal complaint against the manager of Tesla’s factory located near Berlin. The union has accused the manager of “spreading false allegations,” highlighting the deteriorating relationship between the U.S. automaker and the labor organization.

In addition to the criminal complaint, IG Metall has sought a temporary injunction from a labor court aimed at preventing Andre Thierig from making further allegations. As of now, Tesla has not provided a response to the union’s claims or the request for comment sent via email.

The conflict stems from a recent incident where Tesla lodged a criminal complaint against an IG Metall member. This member is accused of secretly recording a works council meeting at the plant. Tesla has confirmed the existence of a memo regarding this situation, which has been shared with staff and was reviewed by Reuters.

In a further escalation of tensions, IG Metall announced that it is preparing to file a lawsuit against Tesla for obstructing union activities. Union representative Jan Otto expressed the organization’s stance, stating, “Legal disputes are not our preferred form of dispute resolution. But when a company fights workers’ participation and union work so aggressively, we defend ourselves with all means at our disposal, including legal ones.”

(Reporting by Linda Pasquini; additional reporting by Ilona Wissenbach; editing by Mark Potter)

Photograph: The Tesla Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenburg plant is seen on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024. (Patrick Pleul/dpa via AP)