More than 120 mechanics servicing Tesla electric cars in Sweden, organized under the IF Metall union, have been on strike since October 27. The mechanics are seeking collective agreements, a demand that Tesla has rejected. Recent developments indicate that port workers have now joined the protest, refusing to unload Tesla vehicles at Swedish ports.
According to Reuters, port workers officially joined the mechanics’ strike on November 7, initially impacting the four largest Swedish ports dedicated to Tesla cars. Last Friday, the action was expanded to encompass all ports. The strike has effectively halted Tesla vehicle deliveries in Sweden, with reports indicating that Swedish ports typically receive one to three Tesla car deliveries per week.
Tesla, known for avoiding collective agreements, faces increasing challenges as the strike persists. Collective agreements are not in place in Tesla’s current production nations, the USA and Germany. The outcome of the Swedish protest could potentially set a precedent, prompting changes in labor practices in other countries.
A spokesperson for the Transport union, responsible for organizing dock workers, informed Reuters that no deliveries of Tesla cars have been made since the strike began. The disruption highlights the impact of the labor dispute on Tesla’s operations in Sweden.
IF Metall’s head, Marie Nilsson, shared insights with Reuters, stating that the union received indications early in the dispute that Tesla might be employing strike-breaking tactics by bringing in workers from other countries. Despite this, IF Metall remains committed to the strike, emphasizing that there are no intentions to end it anytime soon. “As long as it is needed,” Nilsson stated, indicating a steadfast resolve in their pursuit of collective agreements.
