Elon Musk threatens to halt Tesla Giga Berlin expansion over union vote

Elon Musk, in a pre-recorded video message to Tesla’s 10,700 workers at Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenburg in Grünheide, warned that the planned expansion of the plant would not proceed if the IG Metall union gains influence in the upcoming works council election. This statement comes just days before the critical vote and highlights the escalating conflict between Tesla management and IG Metall, Germany’s most powerful industrial union. The election is significant as it could reshape the future of the plant. In a related development, Tesla's German factory has pressed charges against an external trade union member, alleging that he recorded a confidential meeting without permission. The IG Metall union has disputed this claim, calling it a lie. This incident adds to the tension surrounding the works council election, which is set to take place in three weeks, involving roughly 11,000 employees. Additionally, Tesla called the police to its Gigafactory Berlin after accusing an IG Metall union representative of secretly recording a closed works council meeting. The police subsequently seized the representative’s laptop. This confrontation marks a dramatic escalation in the ongoing dispute between Tesla and IG Metall, as both sides prepare for the upcoming election that could significantly impact labor relations at the factory.