German labor unions accuse Tesla of unfair treatment of sick employees, sparking outrage on social media and adding to Musk’s growing troubles in Europe.
March 16, 2025: Electric car giant Tesla is under fire once again, this time for allegedly withholding salaries of sick employees at its Berlin-Brandenburg Gigafactory in Germany. Reports indicate that the company, led by Elon Musk, has been sending warning letters to workers who have called in sick, casting doubt on their medical certificates and threatening to stop wage payments immediately.
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Tesla Accused of Exploiting Workers
According to Handelsblatt, a German news outlet, the sickness rate at Tesla’s German plant is unusually high, prompting the company to take extreme measures. Employees receiving these notices are reportedly being asked to:
- Disclose their medical diagnosis for every sick leave.
- Release their doctors from confidentiality obligations.
- Repay already received salaries if Tesla deems their illness “unjustified.”
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A major German labor union also accused Tesla of:
✅ Refusing to pay sick employees their salaries.
✅ Citing “debts” and “overpayment” as reasons for salary cuts.
✅ Pressuring employees into signing mutual termination agreements.
Public Outrage & Political Backlash
Tesla’s treatment of workers has triggered widespread criticism across Germany and social media platforms. The situation has worsened as Tesla’s market share has declined since January, and Elon Musk has come under fire for his controversial support of Germany’s far-right AfD party during recent elections.
The backlash intensified after four Tesla cars were set on fire in Berlin overnight, with police investigating a possible “political motive.”
On Reddit, users mocked Tesla’s failure to comply with European labor laws:
🗣 “Nothing funnier than Americans trying to operate in countries with actual labor rights.”
🗣 “They should have learned from Walmart’s failure in Germany.”
🗣 “This is why Musk hates the EU—too many worker protections!”
🗣 “Ultra-capitalist scum,” wrote another user, criticizing Musk directly.
Tesla’s Growing Troubles in Europe
This controversy adds to Tesla’s recent struggles in Europe, which include:
🚨 Cybertrucks and Tesla showrooms being vandalized in protests.
🚨 Declining market share in Germany’s electric vehicle sector.
🚨 Legal scrutiny over unfair labor practices.
With increasing worker protests and social media backlash, Tesla faces a tough road ahead in Europe, where strict labor protections make it difficult for companies to exploit employees.
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Tesla Germany, Elon Musk controversy, Tesla labor issues, Germany labor laws, Tesla Berlin Gigafactory, worker rights, Tesla salary scandal, Elon Musk news, German unions vs Tesla, Tesla backlash