Overview

• Tesla's Grünheide factory has been criticized for allegedly withholding wages from employees on sick leave and demanding repayment of previously paid salaries.
• The company has reportedly sent letters to workers questioning the validity of their medical certificates and requesting they release their doctors from confidentiality obligations.
• Tesla management claims the high sick leave rate, which reached 15% in summer 2024, is linked to misuse of the social system rather than poor working conditions.
• The IG Metall union accuses Tesla of using intimidation tactics, including pressuring employees to sign termination agreements under threat of financial consequences.
• Tesla has defended its actions as legal and justified, citing instances of suspected fraudulent sick leave, while the union reports a surge in legal disputes over these practices.