Tesla Halts German Factory Operations Amid Planned Protests
Tesla has announced the closure of its factory near Berlin, preempting expected protests against the planned expansion of its facility. The decision comes as demonstrators prepare to gather outside the factory gates to voice their opposition to the proposed increase in production capacity.
The shutdown of production lines on Friday was previously scheduled for January, as reported by CNN affiliate RTL. However, in anticipation of the planned protests, Tesla has extended the closure to include all factory employees, RTL stated.
AndrĂ© Thierig, a senior manufacturing director at the Tesla factory, confirmed the one-day production shutdown in a post on X, emphasizing the company’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its employees amidst potential unrest.
The protests, organized by a coalition called Disrupt, are set to span four days beginning Wednesday. Disrupt opposes Elon Musk’s expansion plans, citing concerns about deforestation and strain on local water resources.
According to reports, production at the plant will cease after the late shift on Wednesday and resume with the night shift on Sunday. An email sent to employees emphasized that access to the site during the closure would only be permitted with explicit authorization from management.
Law enforcement in the German state of Brandenburg, where the plant is situated, has prepared for extensive operations to manage the protests. They anticipate potential disruptions and have pledged to intervene resolutely in case of criminal activity.
The Tesla factory, located southeast of Berlin, currently has the capacity to produce over 375,000 electric cars annually. Despite local opposition, plans for expansion remain under consideration by authorities.
Disrupt argues that electric cars are not a sustainable solution and highlights environmental concerns associated with their production, particularly the mining of lithium for batteries.
Ole Becker, a spokesperson for Disrupt, outlined the multifaceted nature of the protests, which include demonstrations, lectures, and panel discussions. While civil disobedience may occur, Becker emphasized that it would not be part of Disrupt’s organized activities.
Tesla’s decision to halt operations comes after an arson attack on a high-voltage electricity pylon delivering power to the factory in early March, which led to a week-long closure. The incident underscored the ongoing tensions surrounding the plant’s operations and expansion plans.
