In a recent development, the ongoing strike by the Swedish labor union IF Metall against Tesla appears to be taking a toll on the automaker’s operations, with the union leveraging tactics that could further complicate the situation. IF Metall has reportedly succeeded in blocking Tesla from obtaining new license plates for vehicle orders, posing a potential threat to the company’s continued operations in Sweden.
While Tesla has managed to navigate previous challenges posed by IF Metall, the latest move has added a layer of complexity to its operations. The company has been able to prepare deliveries of new vehicles transported by trucks, but the crucial step of receiving license plates remains hindered. PostNord, the usual provider for license plate deliveries, has halted all interactions with Tesla following Seko’s involvement in IF Metall’s strike.
Complicating matters further, the Swedish Transport Agency is constrained by a framework agreement that mandates the use of PostNord for letter and parcel services. Anna Berggrund, Director of the Department of Vehicle Information at the Swedish Transport Agency, clarified that the agency is bound by this agreement, presenting a challenge for Tesla.
IF Metall’s strike has garnered support from various trade unions, intensifying the impact on Tesla’s operations. The electricians’ union has refused to service Tesla’s charging stations, while the Painters’ Association declines to paint Tesla vehicles. The Real Estate Employees Union (Fastighets) and the LO transport union have also joined the strike, affecting cleaning services for Tesla premises and blocking the unloading of new Tesla vehicles in Sweden, respectively.
Notably, the collaboration between LO and Seko has influenced Tesla’s operations beyond vehicle deliveries. Service centers in Sweden have experienced disruptions due to Seko’s decision to impede deliveries and collections.
Tesla Sweden has conveyed that PostNord’s blockade has not immediately affected its deliveries, but the situation could have long-term repercussions. Tesla contends that its decision not to enter into a collective agreement is within its legal rights, and it highlights the Swedish Transport Agency’s legal obligation to facilitate the delivery of license plates.
As tensions persist between IF Metall and Tesla, the company grapples with a multifaceted challenge that extends beyond the immediate labor strike, impacting crucial aspects of its operations in Sweden.
