In the internal video address, Musk stopped short of naming the German trade union IG Metall directly, but his remarks clearly alluded to the organisation. No recording of the speech has surfaced; reports by Handelsblatt and Der Spiegel, citing participants at the Grünheide event, provide the only accounts of what was said. According to those reports, Musk warned that outside groups steering Tesla off course would make operations significantly more challenging. While he reportedly ruled out shutting down the factory altogether, he indicated that further expansion of the site would be unlikely under such circumstances.
Tesla’s CEO has long taken a critical stance toward organised labour – not only in the US, but also in Germany. At the Grünheide plant, he has repeatedly cautioned against growing influence from IG Metall within the works council, particularly in the run-up to the 2024 elections. At the time, Musk alleged that the union primarily served the interests of Tesla’s established German rivals. Should IG Metall secure stronger representation on the works council, he warned, it would be detrimental to the company. In his view, such a development would significantly limit Tesla’s ability to steer its own course.
The tense situation in Grünheide between management and the union ahead of the upcoming election is also evident in the recent farce surrounding an allegedly recorded works council meeting, with the conflict playing out partly in public. Der Spiegel even describes it as a ‘culture war.’
“On one side stands Tesla, a libertarian-influenced US tech giant that wants to keep unions out of the company,” the article states. “On the other side stands a German workers’ representation accustomed to co-determination and demanding it in the Gigafactory as well.” Currently, IG Metall is the largest faction in Tesla’s works council, but does not hold a majority, as other lists have joined forces to secure a majority.
According to reports, Musk’s remarks were made during a video interview with the workforce. The pre-recorded discussion was conducted by Grünheide plant manager André Thierig alongside Musk in Austin. On Wednesday, it was played back in Grünheide—in Thierig’s presence. At one point during the conversation, Thierig reportedly asked Musk: “Do you have any advice for the team at ‘Giga Berlin’ on how we can work towards your vision?” Musk then made the statements quoted earlier.
Later in the exchange, however, Musk adopted a more conciliatory tone, praising the Brandenburg site as one of the most remarkable production facilities worldwide. He described Giga Berlin as an outstanding factory with a strong team spirit. According to participants, Musk highlighted the site’s high standards, noting that the premises are exceptionally tidy and leave a striking impression both inside and out.
In addition to praising the factory and workforce, the conversation also touched on future products from Grünheide. According to Musk, Tesla has just started ramping up battery cell production. This comes as a surprise. As recently as mid-December, it was reported that Tesla did not plan to begin cell production in Brandenburg until 2027—after the project had been on hold since 2022.
Cybercab and Semi from Grünheide?
Musk also signalled plans to further ramp up production of the Tesla Model Y in Grünheide – particularly once regulators grant approval for expanded supervised Full Self-Driving functions. Such clearance, he suggested, could unlock additional growth opportunities for the Brandenburg site. Looking ahead, Musk reportedly pointed to the Tesla Cybercab as the next major product likely to enter production. Beyond that, he referenced potential roles for Tesla Optimus and the Tesla Semi. With several projects in development, Musk emphasised the breadth of Tesla’s pipeline and the corresponding upside for the German factory. If overall conditions remain favourable, he indicated, the company would aim to expand Giga Berlin to the greatest extent possible.
When plant manager Thierig noted that there was ample room for further development in Grünheide, Musk gave a qualified response. Any large-scale expansion, he suggested, would hinge on continued backing from both regulators and the local workforce. If that support were secured, Tesla could envisage turning the site into the largest industrial factory complex in Europe.
handelsblatt.com, spiegel.de (both in German)
