Tesla workers in Sweden are threatening to strike for better pay, as several labor organizing efforts put increasing pressure on the automaker.
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In general, Tesla has managed to resist major efforts to organize unions in factories , but there appear to be renewed efforts to help Tesla workers gain collective bargaining power.
Earlier this month, the IG Metall union said 1,000 Tesla workers had joined a strike to demand better working conditions at the Gigafactory Berlin. Now, Tesla is facing some problems in Sweden.
The metalworkers' union, IF Metall, claims to represent more than 120 Tesla employees working at service centers in Sweden.
According to local media reports , it appears they are ready to go on strike next Friday:
“The union is now threatening to force its members in all seven cities where service – a total of more than 120 employees – to go on strike starting next Friday.“
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According to IF Metall spokesman Veli-Pekka Säikkälä, Tesla employees are demanding improved wages, pensions and insurance:
“This dispute concerns the wages, pensions and insurance of our members. In a broader sense, it also concerns the rules of the entire Swedish labor market. Companies should not be able to gain a competitive advantage by offering employees worse conditions than they would have under a collective agreement.“
This is part of an effort to bring collective bargaining to tech workers in Sweden, with workers from large Swedish-based companies, such as Spotify and Klarna, launching union organizing efforts.
Although Tesla is an automobile manufacturer, many perceive it more as a technology company.
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The answer to the question of the consequences of the Tesla workers' strike in Sweden is not simple. There are many variables to consider, and depending on the extent and duration of the strike, the consequences can vary significantly.
They are concerned about productivity
From Tesla's perspective, the strike could lead to productivity problems. For a company like Tesla that relies on its current production rate, a significant disruption or reduction is a real concern.
They are worried about reputation
However, beyond the immediate financial issues, Tesla also has to worry about its reputation. A strike could call into question working conditions at the company and cause it public harm.
Source: electrec
