Overview

• Jan Otto, newly appointed IG Metall leader for Berlin-Brandenburg-Saxony, said the union will intensify pressure on Tesla in Brandenburg and pursue a binding wage agreement.
• The union aims to win a majority in upcoming works council elections to reorient representation toward employee interests.
• Otto promised better pay for Tesla workers and warned of tougher measures if the company declines to negotiate.
• He accused Tesla of squeezing workloads, fostering a punitive management culture, challenging medical certificates, and using probationary dismissals that contribute to high turnover.
• Tensions increased before the works council vote as plant manager André Thierig reportedly attacked the union in a staff address, drawing scrutiny over neutrality requirements under German labor law.