Tesla Stands Firm Against Unions
- Published on 30/12/2025 19:52
- Modified on 30/12/2025 19:53
At the Berlin Gigafactory, Tesla refuses any collective agreements and any reduction in working hours despite union pressure.
The social conflict between Tesla and the IG Metall union is intensifying around the Gigafactory in Grünheide, Germany. The American electric vehicle manufacturer categorically refuses to introduce a collective branch agreement (tarifvertrag) and firmly opposes any reduction in working hours, despite the growing demands from unions.
The site director, André Thierig, adopts a strategy distinct from that of the German automotive industry. According to him, Tesla enjoys a different economic flexibility, allowing for a more dynamic wage policy without relying on a collective agreement. He recalls that the current branch agreement would have led to a limited salary increase of 2% this year, while Tesla implemented a 4% raise.
Since production commenced in Grünheide, salaries have reportedly increased by more than 25% in less than four years, according to management. This claim is strongly disputed by IG Metall Berlin-Brandenburg-Sachsen, which argues that the absence of a collective agreement keeps salaries below the standards of other German automakers.
The union also accuses Tesla of relying on the lowest wage levels of the branch tariff, pay scales that are no longer supposedly used in traditional automotive factories in the country.
The 35-hour work week, a red line for management
Beyond wages, the reduction of working hours crystallizes the tensions. IG Metall is advocating for the introduction of the 35-hour work week, a demand considered incompatible with the site’s competitiveness by management. André Thierig has drawn a “red line” on this point, excluding any concessions and estimating that such a change would undermine the industrial organization and performance of the Grünheide factory.
This standoff occurs in a strategic context, approaching the company council election scheduled for 2026, a vote that management sees as crucial for the site’s future. According to André Thierig, an increase in union influence could lead Tesla to reconsider or even suspend certain factory expansion projects.
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In the previous election, IG Metall was the leading party in terms of representatives elected, yet did not secure the majority of seats, which remained in the hands of non-union representatives.
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This page is translated from the original post "Tesla maintient sa ligne dure face aux syndicats" in French.
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