Tesla Accuses Union Member of Secretly Recording Meeting, Memo Reveals

• The alleged secret recording took place during a works council meeting on Tuesday at Tesla's Gruenheide plant near Berlin
• Tesla confirmed filing the criminal complaint and notified staff through an internal memo
• IG Metall representatives were not immediately available to comment on the allegations

Summary

Key Development:

Tesla has filed a criminal complaint against an IG Metall union member for allegedly secretly recording a works council meeting at the company's Gruenheide production facility near Berlin, Germany. The incident occurred on Tuesday, February 10, 2025.

Companies and Organizations:

• Tesla: U.S. electric vehicle manufacturer operating a production plant in Gruenheide, Germany
• IG Metall: Germany's powerful metalworkers' trade union

Details:

The complaint was communicated to staff via internal memo, which Reuters reviewed and Tesla subsequently confirmed as authentic. The company's German plant outside Berlin has been the subject of ongoing labor relations discussions. IG Metall representatives were not immediately available to comment on the allegations.

Market Implications:

This incident highlights escalating tensions between Tesla and organized labor in Germany, where works councils and unions hold significant influence over workplace matters. Germany has strong labor protection laws, and secret recordings in workplace settings can carry legal consequences. The development may signal deteriorating labor relations at Tesla's European manufacturing hub, potentially impacting production and the company's operational stability in the region. This comes as Tesla faces increasing competition in the European EV market and scrutiny over its labor practices. The situation could affect investor sentiment regarding Tesla's European operations and its ability to maintain smooth production amid labor disputes. The outcome of the criminal complaint could set precedents for future union-management interactions at the facility.