Can a corporation dictate that its employees make changes? The Ingolstadt district court will soon decide on this. Audi preferred to have the issue clarified by labor courts.
In a first step, the 8th civil chamber declared the Ingolstadt district court responsible in the so-called legal process decision, court spokesman Thomas Schlappa told SWR on Wednesday. Audi had objected that labor courts were responsible because the plaintiff is an employee of the parent company.
Even if it initially sounds like a first setback for the car manufacturer, nothing has been decided as far as content is concerned.
According to Schlappa, whether the trial before the Ingolstadt district court will actually start will also depend on whether Audi files an appeal against the decision. If necessary, higher authorities would have to decide.
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Ingolstadt district court (archive image)
dpa picture radio
picture alliance / dpa | Armin Weigel
Proceedings with explosiveness
The plaintiff is a VW employee who opposed the version presented by Audi in March 2021 company policy resists. Gender-sensitive language is specified in the guidelines. Since he now has no choice as to how he is addressed, he feels discriminated against, according to the plaintiff. The lawyers explained to the German Language Association (VDS), which supports the plaintiff VW employee: “Our client feels massively restrained by gender. He is appalled that Audi AG wants to prescribe a language for its employees in a downright dictatorial manner , which does not even come close to standing up to the official spelling check.”
A decision in the Audi case could also have consequences for many other companies. It is quite possible that the case will ultimately have to be decided by the Federal Court of Justice.
Audi remains confident
Audi AG, which also operates a plant in Neckarsulm (Heilbronn district), remains confident of winning the dispute. In response to an SWR request, it says in writing:
“Regardless of the question of jurisdiction, we are very confident that the court will follow our legal opinion and dismiss the lawsuit. For us, gender-sensitive language is an expression of a visible, positive attitude towards diversity and equal opportunities.”
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