The works council is an elected body of employees that negotiates with the company's management, among others: issues of working time and remuneration. In Germany – especially in the automotive industry – this is a permanent element of the co-management system.
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However, at the Tesla plant in Grunheide, located approximately 30 km from Berlin and employing almost 10,000. people, this institution was controversial from the beginning.
The works council elections started on Monday and will last until Wednesday. Currently, the council is controlled by representatives unrelated to trade unions.
Tesla vs. trade unions. Mutual accusations and dispute in court
IG Metall claims that there are insufficient working conditions at the plant, and the company dismisses employees whom it accuses of evading their duties. The union believes that it is necessary to conclude a collective agreement to protect employees.
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Tesla responds that the union only seeks to increase the number of its members. It denies accusations of poor working conditions and emphasizes that it offers above-average wages. Tesla owner Elon Musk even suggested that the outcome of the dispute may determine the future of the plant and the implementation of investment plans.
The conflict escalated last month when Tesla management accused one of IG Metall's members of illegally recording a works council meeting. The union denies these allegations. Both sides took their cases to court.
The authorities of the state of Brandenburg were called to mediatehowever, the regional Ministry of Economy appealed to the parties to reach an agreement on their own. At the same time, it was declared that Tesla would be encouraged to conclude a collective agreement.
IG Metall fielded 116 candidates, hoping to win at least 19 of the 37 seats, which would give it a simple majority. In the previous elections two years ago – when the council had 39 seats – the union won 16 seats.
