Sweden’s Transport Workers’ Union announced on Wednesday its decision to halt waste collection services at Tesla’s workshops across Sweden.
This move is part of a broader campaign by various labor groups in the Nordic region to pressure the American electric carmaker into recognizing collective bargaining rights for its employees, reports Reuters.
Tesla is currently facing a growing backlash in the region, particularly over its refusal to negotiate collective bargaining agreements that cover wages and other working conditions for Swedish mechanics. This refusal has sparked widespread solidarity among different worker groups, with dockworkers, drivers, electricians, postal employees, and cleaners now refusing to provide services to Tesla in support of the striking mechanics.
Tommy Wreeth, President of the Swedish Transport Workers’ Union, emphasized the rarity and significance of such sympathy actions. He stated, “This type of sympathy action is very rare. We are using it now to protect the Swedish collective agreements and the safety of the Swedish labor market model.” He added that Tesla cannot overlook the norms of the Swedish labor market.
The strike action, set to commence on December 24, hinges on whether Tesla agrees to sign a collective bargaining agreement with the Swedish union IF Metall, as indicated by the Transport Workers’ Union.
In a related development, Tesla faced a legal challenge when a Swedish court of appeal overturned a ruling that previously allowed Tesla to collect license plates directly from the manufacturer. The case has been sent back to a lower court for further examination. This judicial decision follows Tesla’s attempt to bypass Swedish postal workers who are part of the ongoing labor action by directly collecting license plates from the producer.
Despite these challenges, Tesla maintains that its Swedish employees receive terms equal to or better than those demanded by the union. However, the company has not immediately responded to requests for comment.
Adding to Tesla’s concerns, Norway’s $1.5 trillion sovereign wealth fund, the world’s largest stock market investor and Tesla’s seventh-largest owner, stated last week its intention to continue advocating for the U.S. automaker to respect labor rights, including collective bargaining.