Tesla Berlin Gigafactory Union Share Falls to 31%, Workforce Dips
IG Metall lost its majority at Tesla’s Gigafactory Berlin works council election, with union representation falling to 31% from nearly 40% in 2024. The plant’s workforce declined by over 1,700 employees year-over-year as Tesla’s European January sales dropped 17% and Cybertruck prices rose by $10,000.
1. Union Election Setback at Berlin Gigafactory
IG Metall failed to secure a majority in the recent works council election at Tesla’s Gigafactory Berlin, cutting its representation to 31% from nearly 40% in 2024. Facility director André Thierig celebrated the result as a shift toward independent co-determination by workers.
2. Workforce Reduction at Plant
The Berlin factory’s headcount now stands at 1,683 women, 9,006 men and 14 non-binary employees, more than 1,700 fewer than in 2024. Tesla has denied claims of layoffs despite the year-over-year decline in staffing levels.
3. European Sales Decline and Cybertruck Pricing
Tesla reported a 17% drop in January sales across Europe while competitor BYD’s volumes surged 165%. In response to market pressures, Tesla raised the price of its Cybertruck Dual Motor AWD by $10,000, with the base trim now starting at $69,990.