After 4 Months of Conflict, Where Does Tesla Stand in Sweden?

In the fourth month of strike, one of the longest in Swedish history, unions are easing up slightly in front of Tesla.

The Swedish metallurgists’ union announced that it would temporarily allow certain repairs on Tesla vehicles that are most in need. In practice, union members will be able to work under specific conditions on certain Tesla models and within a well-defined context. A small gesture while the strike continues following the American manufacturer’s refusal to sign a collective agreement. Until now, union opponents were excluded from the union and no longer benefited from its support, which is equivalent to what a collective agreement can provide.

The exemption allowing repairs will apply from February 19 to April 30 and only concern Tesla vehicles that are not drivable, stated the IF Metall union. This will only apply to independent multi-brand garages, excluding any official Tesla workshops. Additionally, all warranty-related operations are excluded.

Tesla Does Not Yield

The Swedish strike, initiated by the metallurgists’ union IF Metall, began on October 27 when about 130 mechanics at 10 Tesla service centers across seven cities walked out. IF Metall then extended the strike to maintenance operations performed in multi-brand garages. The strike has since evolved into a broader conflict between Tesla and nearly a dozen unions aiming to protect the Swedish work model, notably postal workers and dockworkers, and has even spread to neighboring Nordic countries.

Negotiated sector by sector, collective agreements with unions form the foundation of the Nordic labor market model, covering nearly 90 percent of all employees in Sweden and 80 percent in Denmark, ensuring wages and working conditions. A model that Elon Musk does not want…

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