A recent strike attempt by the Swedish trade union, IF Metall, against Tesla failed to gain traction, leaving the electric vehicle manufacturer’s operations in Sweden largely unaffected. The strike was called in response to Tesla’s refusal to sign a collective bargaining agreement, but it appears that the majority of Tesla employees chose not to participate in the walkout.
The strike was scheduled for last Friday, and industry observers anticipated significant disruptions in Tesla’s Swedish operations. However, the reality was quite different. According to local media reports, Tesla’s repair services continued as usual, customers dropped off and picked up their vehicles, and no bookings had to be rescheduled, making it business as usual at Tesla Sweden. (via Börskollen)
Tesla workers, when asked about their decision not to participate in the strike, cited their satisfaction with their current working conditions and wages. Many believed that their employment with Tesla offered more favorable terms than their previous jobs, making the strike seem unnecessary.
Interestingly, the strike did not gain widespread support even among IF Metall members. Only a small number of union members across the country chose to join the strike, while the majority of Tesla’s union-affiliated workforce in Sweden opted to continue their regular duties.
It’s worth noting that some employees who expressed their dissent chose to remain anonymous due to concerns about potential repercussions. These concerns were not related to Tesla but rather stemmed from fears of backlash from the union itself.
It appears that many Tesla employees in the country are content with their employment conditions, and this may have contributed to the strike’s lack of support. It remains to be seen how both IF Metall and Tesla will address their differences moving forward, but for now, Tesla’s Swedish operations continue without significant disruption.
