Germany’s largest industrial union lost ground in recent employee council elections at Tesla’s Berlin-area factory. IG Metall secured only 13 of 37 seats, actually losing representation compared to their previous 16 seats on the council.
Germany’s most powerful industrial union experienced another defeat this week in employee council elections at Tesla’s manufacturing facility near Berlin, once again unable to gain majority control following a contentious campaign filled with accusations and court battles.
IG Metall, which has been working to expand its influence at Tesla’s massive production facility in Gruenheide, announced it won just 13 positions out of 37 total seats on the employee council, keeping the majority under non-union control.
The election process at Tesla’s sole European manufacturing location began on Monday and concluded Wednesday.
This outcome represents a step backward for the union, which previously held 16 seats on the 39-member council. The previous council was also controlled by non-union representatives, and IG Metall has spent years advocating for improved workplace conditions.
Tesla announced the newly elected council will begin its duties next week.
“Unfortunately, it was not enough to secure a … majority,” stated Laura Arndt, IG Metall’s primary candidate. “We will continue to do our utmost in the new works council to bring about change for us and our colleagues at the Gigafactory.”
The union has claimed that company leadership has deliberately encouraged anti-union attitudes among workers. Plant manager Andre Thierig has responded by arguing the union’s primary goal is simply increasing IG Metall membership numbers.
Employee councils, chosen through staff elections, form a fundamental part of Germany’s workplace relations system, serving as employee representatives in discussions with company management.
While IG Metall holds dominant positions on councils throughout German automotive companies including Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes, the union continues to struggle at Tesla, where CEO Elon Musk has been vocal about his opposition to organized labor.
Conflicts reached a breaking point in February when Tesla filed criminal charges against an IG Metall representative, alleging the person illegally recorded a council meeting.
IG Metall rejected the accusation, calling it a “calculated lie.”
