Tesla Grünheide Workers Demand Better Conditions Amid Production Growth
Over 3,000 employees have petitioned for improved staffing and longer breaks, as Tesla ramps up Model Y production and faces environmental criticism and declining German sales.
- More than 3,000 Tesla employees at the Grünheide factory, representing about a quarter of the workforce, signed a petition seeking longer breaks and additional staff to address chronic understaffing and high workloads.
- The IG Metall union has accused Tesla of intimidating employees, disregarding sick leave, and refusing to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement.
- Tesla announced plans to hire 300 temporary workers in April to support the production ramp-up of the new Model Y, but union representatives argue this is insufficient to alleviate existing burdens.
- The Grünheide factory, Tesla’s largest European production site, faces ongoing environmental criticism over water usage, deforestation, and plans for expansion, with recent protests and vandalism targeting the site.
- Tesla's vehicle sales in Germany dropped significantly in February 2025, with a 76% decline compared to the previous year, though the company remains optimistic about its global market reach and production capabilities.
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