Tesla's Grünheide Plant Faces Criticism Over Sick Leave Policies

Tesla's manufacturing plant in Grünheide is facing significant criticism due to its handling of employee sick leave. Reports indicate that the company has been withholding pay from employees who are on medical leave, doubting the authenticity of their medical certificates. This move has sparked outrage from the IG Metall union, which accuses Tesla of intimidating its workforce by demanding the disclosure of medical diagnoses and suggesting termination agreements.

The controversy has been exacerbated by Tesla's reported practice of conducting home visits to employees on sick leave, a strategy seen as invasive and coercive. IG Metall has highlighted these practices as unacceptable, emphasizing that Tesla's approach has led to an uptick in legal disputes. Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, has previously criticized the high rate of absenteeism at the plant, which employs around 12,000 people.

The dispute reflects broader tensions within the company as it grapples with its image and operational challenges, including declining sales and heightened scrutiny of working conditions. The situation underscores the complex dynamics between corporate policies and worker rights, which continue to be a contentious issue at the Grünheide plant.