Overview
- The Frankfurt (Oder) prosecutor confirmed an investigation into alleged defamation by Tesla’s Grünheide boss after IG Metall filed a criminal complaint last week.
- A separate probe is ongoing into an IG Metall official accused of secretly recording a February 10 works council meeting, with the seized laptop undergoing data preservation for analysis.
- IG Metall rejects the recording allegation, has offered investigators the device password, and is seeking a court injunction to halt further statements it says are false while preparing additional labor-law action.
- Roughly 10,000–11,000 employees will elect a 39-seat works council in early March, where IG Metall currently holds 16 seats and aims to secure a majority to push for a collective agreement.
- The management-aligned Fraktion 23 led by Michaela Schmitz remains favored by Tesla leadership, while reporting has linked internal messaging to concerns that a stronger union presence could weigh on expansion plans.