Thierig told rbb24 that a shorter workweek is off the table. “The discussion about a 35-hour week is a red line,” he said, adding it would impact their ability to expand operations at Giga Berlin.

The IG Metall union wants better wages and working conditions for its members but Tesla claims they’ve already done more than required by raising salaries significantly this year. “We gave our workers a 4% wage increase instead of the usual 2%, which is what they would have gotten under a collective agreement,” Thierig said.

Jan Otto, an IG Metall district manager, countered that Tesla’s wages remain below those at other German car factories and that without a union contract, workers won’t get fair pay. “Tesla can’t claim it’s doing better than others when its lowest-paid employees earn less,” he argued.

The election in 2026 is crucial for both sides as the outcome could affect future plans for Giga Berlin’s expansion and operations. Thierig believes that if IG Metall wins, Tesla might have to reconsider their investment in Germany.

This standoff highlights the ongoing tension between Tesla and labor unions in Germany. With an election coming up next year, both sides are gearing up for what could be a defining moment for Giga Berlin’s future.

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Thierig confirmed that the facility has been running two full shifts since September to cope with a surge in global orders. The factory currently produces only the Model Y, unlike other Tesla factories which manufacture multiple vehicle types. Despite this expansion, production still needs further scaling up due to increased demand.

The Gigafactory Berlin’s output is now being exported to Canada amid a tariff dispute with the United States. Thierig noted that deliveries are made to over 30 markets and pointed out a positive trend in sales across these regions. The addition of Model Y Performance and Standard models at Grunheide-based factory adds complexity to ramping up production.

In Norway, Tesla has broken its all-time annual sales record this month, surpassing Volkswagen’s long-standing mark since 2016. This surge is attributed to buyers rushing to secure deliveries before an imminent tax increase on cars takes effect. Despite the absence of Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities in Norway, Tesla aims to get FSD approved for Europe which could further boost sales.

Despite growing competition from European and Korean brands, both Model 3 and Model Y have secured top positions in their respective segments according to Norway’s annual roundup of the best car purchases. The models’ balance of price, performance, and everyday usability has made them standout choices for buyers.

The expansion at Tesla Gigafactory Berlin underscores the company’s efforts to meet global demand for its vehicles, particularly the Model Y. With production still ramping up and a focus on exporting to new markets like Canada, the factory is set to play a crucial role in Tesla’s growth strategy.

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