Home » US business news • World Business & Employment News » Elon Musk calls Tesla strikes in Sweden “insane”
Elon Musk calls Tesla strikes in Sweden “insane”
https://www.whatjobs.com/news/usa/us-business-news/elon-musk-calls-tesla-strikes-in-sweden-insane
By Nithya Bose in US business news, posted November 25, 2023
Elon Musk has strongly criticized what he termed as "insane" strikes at Tesla workshops in Sweden.
More than 1,200 workers, led by the influential trade union IF Metall, are demanding collective bargaining rights.
The strike is the first by Tesla staff in the Scandinavian country, and has lasted for five weeks across eight Tesla facilities.
Read More: Elon Musk Says X Will Bring Back Article Headlines
More strikes from Swedish postal services, which have caused delays in delivering license plates to new Tesla cars, drew particular disapproval from Musk.
IF Metall, representing over 300,000 members in Swedish industry, initiated the strike after Tesla refused to enter into a collective agreement.
Collective agreements, crucial to Sweden's labor market model, encompass various conditions such as salary, pension, working hours, and holidays.
Despite declining union membership in Sweden, most employees still adhere to collective arrangements.
Read More: New York Starbucks Workers File 32 New Labor Complaints After Historic Strike
The ongoing strike has garnered support from other unions.
This has led to broader implications beyond Tesla and raises the potential for expansion into neighboring Norway.
The United Federation of Trade Unions in Norway expressed readiness to take sympathy action.
"We are well prepared for a prolonged conflict"
Marie Nilsson, IF Metall's chair, said the strike aims to benefit Tesla workers and safeguard the Swedish union model.
She said: “If we allow companies like Tesla to operate without collective agreement, it will open it up for other international companies and other types of industries.
She added: “It can take a long time. We will keep going for as long as is needed.”
Looking to boost your online brand? Create your FREE business profile at WhatBiz? here.
The protest has triggered secondary actions in various sectors.
It impacts services such as transport, harbor operations, electricians, charging stations, painters, and communication workers.
An IF Metall spokesperson, Jesper Pettersson, said: “We are well prepared for a prolonged conflict.
“Regrettably, we have no ongoing talks with Tesla Sweden at the moment, but as always, we are available for further talks as soon as possible.”
Follow us on YouTube, X, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
