At Tesla’s only German factory, the non-union list Giga United won the works council election, the company said on Wednesday.
According to preliminary results, 24 of the 37 seats went to non-union candidates, a Tesla spokeswoman said.
Giga United, led by current works council chair Michaela Schmitz, received the largest share of votes.
Trade union IG Metall’s Tesla Workers GFFB list came in second, “despite management attacks and an unusually unfair campaign,” according to IG Metall union district manager Jan Otto.
Two years ago, IG Metall had been the largest group on the works council, but non-union representatives held the majority. The vote, which began on Monday and included 11 lists, was closely watched due to tensions between Tesla and IG Metall.
From both sides’ perspectives, it was seen as a pivotal decision on whether the union would gain more influence or the planned factory expansion would proceed.
Tesla chief executive Elon Musk addressed staff via video before the election, indirectly warning against union influence. Things would certainly get more difficult if there were external organizations pushing Tesla in the wrong direction, he said.
He added that while the factory would not be closed, realistically it would not be expanded either.
Musk has said he intends a major expansion if authorities and local communities approve.
IG Metall is campaigning for a collective bargaining agreement, which Tesla plant manager André Thierig opposes. Tensions have included accusations of secret recordings during council meetings, which the union denies. Both sides reached a settlement at the labour court over related statements.
