Swedish Transport Workers union declares sympathy strike against Tesla

In a dramatic turn of events, the Swedish Transport Workers union has declared a sympathy strike against Tesla, aligning with IF Metall’s ongoing battle. However, this latest move from unions faces hurdles as the employers association in Sweden throws a wrench into the works.

The Swedish Transport Workers union, in solidarity with IF Metall, decided to halt waste collection from local Tesla workshops, a move rarely seen in the labor landscape. President Tommy Wreeth emphasized the action’s purpose: safeguarding Swedish collective agreements and the integrity of the labor market model. Wreeth insisted that Tesla must adhere to the norms set by the Swedish labor market.

Challenges arose when the union encountered resistance from the Biltrafikens Arbetsgivareförbund (BA), the employers association in Sweden. This association plays a crucial role in assisting companies with local labor laws, dispute negotiations, and work environment issues. The BA objected to the union’s initial notice of industrial action on December 14, citing violations of Sweden’s Co-determination Workplace Act (MLB) and unclear implementation.

The Co-determination in the Workplace Act stipulates that parties engaging in industrial action must notify the involved parties and the Mediation Institute at least seven working days in advance in writing. The Transport Workers Union submitted its intention for a sympathy strike against Tesla on December 14 via email, a move met with BA’s skepticism.

Annika Nordin, head of negotiations at Biltrafikens Arbetsgivareförbund, expressed concerns over the union’s lack of transparency regarding member companies involved and failure to comply with notice obligations. Nordin hinted at potential legal action if the union proceeded with industrial action without meeting the notice requirements.

On December 19, BA raised objections again, emphasizing the difficulty in understanding the notification as a whole. The employers’ association argued that the union’s notice, sent to all 4,500 BA company members, disproportionately targeted companies unrelated to the conflict between IF Metall and Tesla Sweden.

Tesla’s Swedish saga takes turns and is full of unexpected twists worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster. How this all ends is anybody’s guess. Tesla seems to have no intention of giving in and so do the Swedish unions. Who blinks first?

Via