Union Drops Bid to Oust ZF Works Council Chief as Court Questions Claims
Published on 07/29/2026 at 05:42 | Redaktion boerse-global.de
The Christian Metalworkers’ Union (CGM) has withdrawn its emergency petition to remove Achim Dietrich, the head of the works council at automotive supplier ZF, after a German labour court cast serious doubt on the allegations. The case before the Ulm Labour Court ended without a substantive ruling.
The CGM had accused Dietrich of serious breaches of duty, including violating his obligation to remain neutral and improperly mixing works council activities with those of the rival IG Metall union. Specifically, the CGM alleged that Dietrich used company consultation hours for union business and obstructed employer representatives during a plant meeting.
Dietrich denied all charges. During the hearing, the court signalled that the accusations did not meet the threshold for removal. Judges also questioned whether the CGM had the legal standing to bring the case in the first place. Facing those headwinds, the union withdrew its urgent application.
Tesla Loses Appeal in Wiretapping Case
Separately, the Brandenburg State Prosecutor’s Office rejected a complaint from Tesla, which had challenged the closure of an investigation into an IG Metall secretary. The union official was suspected of secretly recording a works council meeting at Tesla’s Grünheide plant on 10 February. A forensic report from the state criminal police found no evidence to support the claim. The prosecutor’s office deemed Tesla’s appeal groundless.
In a parallel legal move, IG Metall has filed a complaint against Tesla plant manager André Thierig, accusing him of defamation.
Tensions Rise Ahead of Autumn Wage Talks
These legal skirmishes come as the metal and electrical industries brace for a tough collective bargaining round starting in October. IG Metall chairwoman Christiane Benner has flatly ruled out a zero-wage increase, pointing to rising living costs and growth in defence and renewable-energy sectors.
Employers counter with warnings about the economy’s fragility, noting that the industry has shed roughly 270,000 jobs since 2018. The union’s official wage demand is expected after the summer break.
The willingness to strike is already visible. In the confectionery sector, the NGG union has called a 24-hour warning strike at the Intersnack plant in Schwerte, starting today. The next round of talks there is scheduled for mid-August.
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