Tesla has asked a Swedish court to compel the Transport Agency to provide access to vehicle licence plates, which have been blocked by postal workers participating in a broader labour dispute. The conflict stems from Tesla’s refusal to sign a collective bargaining agreement, a move that has drawn criticism from unions across Sweden.
The labour dispute began in October 2023 when a group of Tesla mechanics initiated a strike. Over a dozen unions, including dockworkers, electricians, and postal workers, have since launched solidarity actions, complicating Tesla’s operations in the country. One such measure includes a postal blockade that restricts the delivery of licence plates for Tesla buyers.
After losing appeals in other courts, Tesla has turned to the Karlstad administrative court, requesting that the Transport Agency provide alternative means of delivering licence plates to buyers. While Tesla has reportedly encouraged car buyers to order plates independently to bypass the blockade, the Transport Agency has stated it will await the court’s decision before taking further action.
The ST labour union has maintained that Tesla must align with Sweden’s labour market standards. “We do not believe it is too much to ask for large international companies to make certain adjustments to the systems of different countries,” the union said.
Tesla argues it provides working conditions comparable to or better than those outlined in the union’s demands. The company has also adapted its operations by employing non-union staff to ensure continued service despite the disruptions.
