Prosecutors in Frankfurt (Oder) have initiated a defamation investigation into André Thierig, the plant manager of Tesla’s Gigafactory Berlin, following a criminal complaint filed by the powerful German trade union IG Metall. This development intensifies an ongoing dispute just weeks before the factory’s works council elections.
Investigation Launched Over Alleged Recording Incident
A spokesperson for the Frankfurt (Oder) public prosecutor’s office confirmed the opening of the probe to the German Press Agency. The investigation stems from allegations made by Tesla that an IG Metall representative secretly recorded a works council meeting using a laptop at the Giga Berlin facility.
In a post on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, Mr. Thierig described the alleged incident as “truly beyond words.” He stated that police were called to the scene and that a criminal complaint was filed against the union representative.
“What has happened today at Giga Berlin is truly beyond words! An external union representative from IG Metall attended a works council meeting. For unknown reasons, he recorded the internal meeting and was caught in action! We obviously called police and filed a criminal complaint!” Thierig wrote on X.
Following the incident, police confirmed that they seized a computer belonging to the IG Metall member present at the Gigafactory Berlin.
Counter-Investigation and Union Denials
In a parallel development, prosecutors are conducting their own investigation into the IG Metall representative. This separate probe centers on suspicions of breach of confidentiality and violation of Germany’s Works Constitution Act.
IG Metall has strongly denied Tesla’s allegations. The union asserted that its member offered to unlock the laptop voluntarily to expedite the investigation and refute what they termed “false accusations.” The union has also taken legal action, seeking a labor court injunction to “prohibit Thierig from further disseminating false claims.”
Escalating Tensions Ahead of Elections
The escalating conflict between Tesla management and IG Metall comes at a critical juncture for the Giga Berlin workforce. Employees are scheduled to participate in works council elections from March 2 to March 4, 2026.
Approximately 11,000 workers at the Gigafactory Berlin are eligible to cast their ballots in these elections, which will determine representation for employees in discussions with management regarding working conditions and company policies.
The works council plays a crucial role in representing employee interests within German companies, acting as a bridge between the workforce and management. Its upcoming elections are a significant event for the plant’s labor relations.
The defamation probe against the plant manager adds another layer of complexity to the pre-election climate, highlighting the contentious relationship between the electric vehicle manufacturer and the influential metalworkers’ union.