Tesla’s recent decision to conduct home visits for employees on long-term sick leave has ignited a wave of criticism in Germany. André Thierig, the manufacturing director at the Berlin-Brandenburg Gigafactory, defended the move, asserting it was aimed at appealing to employees’ work ethic. However, the measure has been sharply rebuked by IG Metall, the plant’s union, which labeled it an invasion of privacy and an attempt to intimidate workers.
A Controversial Move to Encourage Accountability
Over the past several weeks, Tesla sent managers to the homes of around two dozen employees who have been on extended sick leave for over nine months. According to Thierig, this practice is not unique to Tesla and is common in the automotive industry. He argued that the company’s intention was to ensure that employees remain engaged and committed to their roles, even during long periods of absence.
“In our analyses of attendance at work, certain trends have emerged. For example, sick leave rates increase significantly on Fridays and late shifts,” Thierig stated. “This is not indicative of poor working conditions, as they are consistent across all shifts. Rather, it suggests that the German social system may be exploited to some extent.”
Union Outrage: ‘Culture of Fear’ at Tesla’s Berlin Plant
IG Metall, which represents a segment of the 12,000 workers at Tesla’s German factory, has condemned the company’s actions. The union claims that the factory’s stringent working conditions and long hours have contributed to a “culture of fear,” pushing many employees to take sick leave due to stress and burnout. According to Dirk Schulze, regional director of IG Metall, sick leave rates at the Grünheide plant have frequently exceeded 15%.
“Instead of harassing sick workers at their homes, Tesla should focus on alleviating the root causes of employee stress,” Schulze argued. “The factory’s management should break this vicious cycle rather than putting pressure on those who are already ill.”
Disparities in Sick Leave Rates: Temporary vs. Full-Time Workers
Thierig pointed out that while permanent staff have been taking leave at high rates, the company’s 1,500 temporary workers have maintained a much lower absence rate, averaging just 2%. He suggested that some permanent employees might be taking advantage of Germany’s robust labor protection laws by submitting new sick notes every six weeks to extend their absence.
Tesla identified approximately 200 employees who had not appeared at work at all in 2024 yet continued to receive full pay. Thierig emphasized that these individuals would not be subject to punitive measures, but home visits would continue to ensure accountability and fairness.
A Larger Debate Over Worker Rights and Corporate Ethics
The uproar has reignited the debate over worker rights and corporate ethics in Germany’s industrial sector. Last October, Tesla dismissed allegations from IG Metall regarding inadequate health and safety standards at the factory, but the recent developments have brought these concerns back into the spotlight.
The Grünheide factory, located southeast of Berlin, was inaugurated in 2022 and marks Tesla’s first manufacturing plant in Europe. CEO Elon Musk originally considered the UK as a potential location but cited Brexit-related uncertainties as a deterrent.
Tesla’s controversial home visit policy underscores the delicate balance between maintaining productivity and respecting workers’ rights. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether these measures will have a long-term impact on employee relations at Tesla’s German plant.
For more details, read the full story https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/sep/27/tesla-home-checks-on-workers-on-sick-leave-defended-by-boss-in-germany
