A growing number of Tesla workers in its German factory have recently lamented over the company’s unhealthy work conditions
These workers disclose that they are made to work for unreasonable long working hours with very little time for rest or leisure.
They were initially reluctant to voice out their plight due to the non-disclosure agreement contract they signed when they resumed work at the company but however decided to reveal what they are going through.
Following these accusations, the tech giant automaker has come under fire from German Union IG Metall and several German politicians.
IG Metall which has been in talks with these workers disclosed that they started with great enthusiasm at the company, but suddenly their energy began to dissipate over unreasonable working hours.
Also, the German business newspaper Handelsblatt disclosed that local politicians from the center-left SPD to the center-right CDU expressed concern about the allegations, calling for inquiries by both Tesla and the local government.
Investors King understands that in June last year, Tesla struggled to hire workers for its German Gigafactory due to low wages. Reports disclose that skilled workers at the factory earned around 20% less than employees at rival manufacturers.
When Tesla opened the Gigafactory in Germany, it had a target to produce 5,000 vehicles a week, but however, failed to reach its target due to major recruitment problems.
Reports disclose that current staffers are leaving jobs at the company due to low and unequal pay, as well as inexperienced management.
Last year, an employee who pleaded anonymity, described the Berlin gigafactory as “total chaos.”
The employee said, “Some people are off sick longer than they’ve actually worked. There are people who I haven’t seen working for three weeks in six months. Many people are signed off sick because the motivation isn’t there,” they say, blaming poor working conditions. The exits involve temporary staff and permanent employees who have been there for over a year, hired before the gigafactory opened.