German union files defamation complaint against Tesla factory manager

BERLIN, Feb 17 (Reuters) - ‌Germany's IG ​Metall ​has filed a criminal complaint against the manager of Tesla's factory near ‌Berlin, accusing him of "spreading false allegations", the ⁠union said on Tuesday, in another sign of ‌its souring relations with ‌the U.S. automaker.

The union said it had also applied to a labour court for ​a temporary injunction to prohibit Andre Thierig from further making the allegations. Tesla did ⁠not respond immediately to an emailed request for comment.

The matter ​relates to a criminal complaint that Tesla made last week against an IG ​Metall member for allegedly ‌secretly recording a works council meeting at the plant, according to a ⁠memo to staff seen by Reuters. Tesla has confirmed the memo.

IG Metall said on Tuesday it ⁠was also preparing a lawsuit against the company for ​obstruction of union activities.

"Legal disputes are not our preferred form of dispute resolution," said union representative Jan ‌Otto in a statement. "But when a company fights workers' participation and union ‌work so aggressively, we defend ourselves with ⁠all means at our ‌disposal, including ​legal ones."

(Reporting by Linda Pasquini. Additional reporting by Ilona Wissenbach. Editing by Mark ‌Potter)

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