Tesla Faces Backlash Over Sick Leave Visits

Tesla's Berlin gigafactory is facing backlash after management has begun making home visits to employees on sick leave, amid rising absenteeism rates that peaked at 17% in August, significantly higher than the 5% average in the German automotive industry. Plant boss André Thierig justified the visits by claiming that many workers were exploiting German labor laws, as employees are entitled to full pay for up to six weeks of sick leave. These actions have provoked anger among workers, with some threatening to call the police, while the IG Metall union has criticized the company for fostering a 'culture of fear' and overwork. Thierig insists that sick leave patterns suggest no link to poor working conditions, as the environment remains consistent across shifts. The controversy has drawn attention from Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who plans to investigate the situation. Calls for a reassessment of Tesla's work culture have emerged in response to the high absenteeism rates.