Tesla’s German factory has started sending managers to the homes of employees on long-term sick leave. The decision, defended by André Thierig, the plant’s manufacturing director, has ignited a debate on labor rights and corporate practices, bringing fresh scrutiny to the carmaker’s treatment of its workforce.
Tesla Defends Home Checks as Standard Practice
Thierig explained that the home visits, which involved about two dozen employees at the Berlin-Brandenburg gigafactory, are a routine procedure in many industries. He argued that the company’s intention was to “appeal to the employees’ work ethic” and ensure that the system is not being abused. According to Thierig, some workers have allegedly exploited Germany’s generous labor protection laws, repeatedly submitting new sick notes every six weeks.
“In our analyses of attendance at work, some phenomena have become obvious: on Fridays and late shifts, about 5% more employees take sick leave than on other weekdays,” Thierig noted, suggesting that the high sick leave rate may not solely be due to poor working conditions.
Union Outrage and Concerns Over Work Culture
The union IG Metall, which represents a segment of the 12,000 workers at Tesla’s German plant, has condemned the practice as an invasion of privacy and a symptom of deeper issues at the factory. Dirk Schulze, a regional director at IG Metall, described the work environment as a “culture of fear,” with staff under pressure to maintain productivity even when facing health concerns.
“Employees from almost all areas of the factory have reported an extremely high workload,” Schulze said. “When there are staff shortages, ill workers are put under pressure, and those who remain healthy are overburdened with additional work.” He argued that if Tesla wants to reduce sick leave rates, it should focus on improving working conditions rather than monitoring employees at home.
High Absenteeism Rates Linked to Workload and Stress
IG Metall reported that sick leave rates at the factory, located in Grünheide, south-east of Berlin, have frequently exceeded 15%. They attribute this to excessive workloads, long hours, and insufficient health and safety measures. In contrast, Thierig highlighted that among the factory’s 1,500 temporary workers, the absenteeism rate is much lower, averaging just 2%, which he claims is an indicator that some full-time employees might be taking advantage of the system.
Tesla’s Response to Union Criticism
Tesla has denied claims by IG Metall that the plant’s health and safety standards are inadequate. Last October, the company dismissed allegations that workers were being put at risk and reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.
The Berlin-Brandenburg gigafactory, Tesla’s first production facility in Europe, opened in 2022 and has faced criticism from labor groups since its inception. CEO Elon Musk chose the site over a potential location in the UK, citing uncertainties related to Brexit as a significant factor in the decision.
As the tension between Tesla’s management and the union escalates, the debate over the company’s labor practices continues to unfold, raising questions about the balance between employee welfare and corporate efficiency.
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