Tesla Inc. employees in Germany are calling for improved working conditions, adding pressure on the manufacturer led by Elon Musk amid a downturn in sales in Europe’s largest auto market.
According to the IG Metall union, over 3,000 workers at Tesla’s facility near Berlin have signed a petition seeking more frequent breaks, better staffing, and an end to what they describe as management’s intimidation tactics. The union representatives stated that employees are overworked and will face increased pressure when Tesla boosts production of the Model Y following current assembly line improvements.
IG Metall members from Tesla’s works council emphasized in a statement that employees often lack adequate time for breaks, which is unsustainable over the long term.
Tesla’s standing has waned in Germany’s economy after Musk endorsed the right-wing AfD party during the German election campaign and became a top adviser to then U.S. President Donald Trump. Subsequently, Tesla’s sales in Germany experienced a sharp decline of 76% last month.
The plant in Grünheide, Tesla’s sole car factory in Europe, has been a point of contention for several years. Activists have voiced concerns about its water usage and environmental impact, and there have been disruptions to nearby railway infrastructure. Last year, Musk indicated that he was investigating high absenteeism rates at the plant.
The union plans to present the petition to Tesla management at the upcoming workers’ assembly. However, it remains uncertain whether this initiative will lead to changes at the plant. Although IG Metall members constitute the largest faction within Tesla’s works council, they do not hold a majority. The factory employs approximately 10,500 people, as per union estimates.
This report was first published on Fortune.com.
