A powerful German union has issued a stern warning of potential strike action at Tesla’s Berlin Gigafactory following a heated meeting with management.
Tesla recently convened an employee meeting at its Gigafactory Berlin, amidst efforts to organize and unionize the manufacturing site’s workforce.
Despite a majority of Tesla Gigafactory Berlin employees voting against IG Metall’s proposed work council, the labour union has still managed significant advancements. The union achieved a significant success by securing 16 seats on the employee council, outpacing many other groups in their efforts.
The labor union is protesting claims of security concerns, inadequate compensation, and additional grievances at the manufacturing plant.
Tesla, notorious for its stance against unionization, has recently redoubled its efforts to counter the issue, unveiling initiatives aimed at boosting employee morale, including a newly introduced gym facility.
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According to a report by German news outlet DW, labor disputes at the plant were driven by concerns over security, job security, and compensation, as union representatives from IG Metall led the discussion on these critical issues. The latest round of layoffs had been recently announced.
As tensions simmered, a surprising topic dominated the meeting’s attention: the theft of espresso mugs from the plant by none other than plant supervisor Andre Thierig himself.
You are simply going to provide me with a determination. Since our inception, we’ve successfully manufactured and sold a total of 65,000 espresso mugs, all produced right here in-house. 65.000! In all likelihood, each of you owns at least five IKEA espresso cups in your home. I’m growing tired of authorizing additional purchases of espresso cups.
The remark drew laughter from the group, but Thierig’s stern warning fell on unsound ground when he threatened to confiscate break-room utensils unless the behavior ceased.
On a particularly grave note, IG Metall union secretary Jannes Bojert conceded that a strike represents a stark possibility amidst intensifying labour-management tensions, although he emphasized that such action would only be taken as a last-ditch measure.
Re-elected Chief Michaela Schmitz of the Employees’ Council asserts that the trade union is primarily responsible for fomenting unrest.
