Tesla organized a morale-boosting event at its Gigafactory Berlin on December 2, featuring a performance by rapper Kool Savas to counter union influence ahead of a key works council vote. The gathering included anti-union messaging and a wage increase announcement, but drew criticism for its tone and effectiveness. Employees showed little enthusiasm, highlighting ongoing tensions with IG Metall.
Tesla's Gigafactory Berlin, which employs around 11,000 workers, has been a focal point of labor disputes with the IG Metall union for years. In the 2024 works council election, IG Metall secured the largest faction but not a majority. With a new vote scheduled for early 2026, the company appears anxious, especially amid a more than 30% drop in European sales this year compared to 2024.
On December 2, management hosted a private "Giga-Event" to rally employees and discourage union support. The highlight was a performance by German rapper Kool Savas, who arrived on stage in a Cybertruck—a vehicle uncommon in Europe. Savas attempted to energize the crowd with an "Elon, Elon" chant, but workers did not participate. He adapted his lyrics, replacing references to Mercedes with Tesla, yet the response remained subdued.
After performing five songs, Savas remarked, "You guys are tough, man. You guys are really tough. Tesla, what's wrong with you?" When applause for Tesla as a "great employer" was tepid, he quipped about the audience having a "stick up their ass."
Factory manager André Thierig addressed the crowd, announcing a 4% wage increase effective immediately. He claimed that IG Metall's collective bargaining would have limited it to 2%, a statement the union disputed. IG Metall welcomed the raise but argued salaries need a further 30% hike to align with Germany's auto industry standards.
Thierig also linked the factory's expansion plans, including new battery production, to the election outcome, suggesting progress depends on rejecting strong union representation. IG Metall leader Otto described this as a recurring tactic: promising growth in exchange for loyalty to management-backed councils, which he views as coercive.
Tesla maintains that jobs are secure despite market challenges. The Model Y remains Europe's top-selling electric vehicle, though overall sales have declined. The event underscores Tesla's efforts to maintain control amid union gains and economic pressures.
