Tesla’s recent decision to conduct home visits for employees on long-term sick leave has ignited significant backlash from the workforce and union representatives in Germany. André Thierig, the manufacturing director at Tesla’s Berlin-Brandenburg gigafactory, has defended the practice, stating that it aims to “appeal to the employees’ work ethic.” However, this explanation has done little to quell the uproar from the trade union IG Metall, which advocates for the rights of the factory’s 12,000 workers.
Union Concerns Over Workplace Conditions
The controversy arose after managers were dispatched to check on around two dozen workers who have been on sick leave for over nine months. IG Metall has long voiced concerns about what it describes as “harsh working conditions,” including excessively long hours and a troubling health and safety record. Union official Dirk Schulze emphasized that employees across the factory report experiencing high workloads, which has led to increased stress and sick leave among staff.
“Rather than sending managers to homes, the company should focus on improving working conditions,” Schulze argued. He added that the factory has a “culture of fear” that exacerbates stress and pushes employees to take sick leave, highlighting that sick leave rates often exceed 15%.
Tesla’s Response to Sick Leave Rates
In his defense, Thierig claimed that some employees are exploiting Germany’s labor protection laws. He pointed out that among 1,500 temporary workers—who are subjected to similar working conditions—the average illness-related absence is only 2%. Thierig also noted patterns in attendance, suggesting that higher sick leave rates tend to occur on Fridays and during late shifts, indicating a potential misuse of sick leave rather than systemic issues in working conditions.
Tesla has identified approximately 200 staff members who have remained absent all year while still receiving pay, raising questions about accountability and fairness within the company’s workforce policies.
A Growing Tension Between Management and Workers
This situation poses a complex challenge for Tesla as it seeks to balance productivity and employee welfare. The factory, which opened in 2022, was the company’s first venture into Europe, and the growing tensions may complicate its operations and reputation in the region.
As the union continues to push back against these policies, the future of labor relations at Tesla’s German facility remains uncertain, revealing the complexities of managing a modern workforce in a competitive industry.
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