Germany’s powerful IG Metall trade union has failed to increase its influence at Tesla’s German factory outside Berlin, the company said late on Wednesday following works council elections this week. Works councils play an important role in German firms, representing the interests of employees by ensuring that laws and collective agreements are observed, that there is no discrimination during hiring and promotion, and that employees’ views on improving the workplace are implemented. The workforce selects from lists of candidates, some of whom can have the backing of trade unions. In the vote a…