Tesla strikes in Sweden labeled as 'crazy' by Elon Musk

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【Summary】Tesla CEO Elon Musk has called the ongoing strikes by Swedish Tesla workers "insane" after Swedish mail carriers and dock workers joined in solidarity. The strikes began after over 120 Tesla mechanics moved to unionize and negotiate better wages and benefits. This labor war in Sweden may serve as an example for Tesla plants in the US and Europe, where unions have been pressuring for collective bargaining agreements.

FutureCar Staff Nov 26, 2023 5:15 AM PT

Tesla strikes in Sweden labeled as 'crazy' by Elon Musk

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has responded to the ongoing labor battle in Sweden, where mail carriers refuse to deliver packages and parts to Tesla facilities. Musk called the situation "insane" in reaction to the report.

The conflict began when over 120 Tesla mechanics in Sweden sought to unionize and negotiate a collective bargaining agreement with the company. However, negotiations did not progress, leading the workers to go on strike with the support of the union IF Metall.

As approximately 90% of Sweden's workers are represented by a union, other industries have shown solidarity with the striking mechanics. Following the announcement of the IF Metall strike, the Swedish dock workers union declared that it would block the importation of Tesla parts and cars from certain ports. Eventually, the blockade expanded nationwide.

Subsequently, mail carriers also joined the labor action, meaning Tesla's facilities in Sweden would not receive essential mail and parts. Although Tesla does not manufacture cars in Sweden, it does have maintenance facilities there.

The striking Tesla workers in Sweden are demanding better wages and benefits that align with their unionized counterparts across the country. Musk's comments on the situation indicate his awareness of the growing labor dispute, suggesting that he may become more involved in negotiations.

Historically, Tesla and Musk have been opposed to unions and have resisted attempts to organize at their plants both in the United States and abroad. However, witnessing the solidarity among workers in Sweden might prompt Tesla plants in the U.S. and Europe to consider a different approach.

United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain has expressed intentions to organize Tesla facilities in the near future, while German unions have long been pressuring Tesla to agree on a collective bargaining agreement that would raise wages to the national standard.

Contact Vaughn Cockayne at [email protected] for more information.