German Union Accuses Tesla Factory Manager of Defamation

• IG Metall is seeking a temporary injunction to prohibit Thierig from making further allegations and is preparing a lawsuit against Tesla for obstruction of union activities
• The conflict originates from Tesla's criminal complaint against an IG Metall member for allegedly recording a works council meeting at the Berlin-area plant
• Union representative Jan Otto stated that legal action is not their preferred method but necessary when a company 'fights workers' participation and union work so aggressively'

Summary: German Union Accuses Tesla Factory Manager of Defamation

Key Development:

Germany's IG Metall union filed a criminal complaint on February 17 against Andre Thierig, manager of Tesla's Berlin-area factory, alleging he spread "false allegations." The union also applied for a temporary labor court injunction to prevent Thierig from continuing these allegations.

Background:

The dispute stems from Tesla's criminal complaint filed last week against an IG Metall member for allegedly secretly recording a works council meeting at the plant. Tesla confirmed the complaint through a staff memo reviewed by Reuters.

Escalating Tensions:

IG Metall is preparing an additional lawsuit against Tesla for obstruction of union activities, signaling deteriorating relations between the U.S. automaker and German labor organizations. Union representative Jan Otto stated that "legal disputes are not our preferred form of dispute resolution," but emphasized the union would "defend ourselves with all means at our disposal, including legal ones" when faced with aggressive opposition to worker participation and union activities.

Company Response:

Tesla did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment.

Market Implications:

This legal conflict highlights growing labor relations challenges for Tesla in Europe, where union representation and works councils have strong legal protections. The dispute could potentially impact operations at Tesla's German manufacturing facility and may signal broader difficulties as the company expands its European presence. Labor disputes can affect production schedules, employee morale, and regulatory relationships in Germany's heavily unionized automotive sector, potentially creating operational and reputational risks for the electric vehicle manufacturer.