The ongoing protests against Tesla Inc in Sweden have caught the attention of Swedish labor market expert German Bender. Bender believes that these protests are integral to the market given their potential consequences.
Although the conflict between Tesla and its workers is relatively small, with fewer than 150 employees involved, it is against a huge employer and could have a high-impact consequence, according to Bender. He spoke to The Guardian about the importance of this conflict in principle, stating that if the unions were to allow Tesla to get away with breaking collective bargaining agreements, other employers would start questioning the necessity of signing such agreements.
The protests were initiated by IF Metall, a workers’ union representing Tesla mechanics, in late October. In Sweden, approximately 90% of the workforce operates under collective agreements that govern various employment conditions, including wages, employment types, occupational pensions, working hours, vacations, and notice periods. These agreements allow for collaborative decision-making between employers and unions regarding labor market matters, including wages, rather than relying on government dictation.
Since the initial strike, other unions have joined in solidarity, including dockworkers, cleaning staff, electricians, and even postal workers. This widespread support demonstrates the significance of the issue and the potential for larger implications.
Tesla contends that despite the strike, over 90% of its employees continue to hold their positions and that its terms are as good as or better than the union’s demands. While Tesla doesn’t manufacture in Sweden, its Model Y is one of the best-selling cars in the country. The strike eventually threatened the delivery of new vehicles, leading CEO Elon Musk to label it “insane.” However, Tesla has expressed no intention to enter into a collective agreement.
Marie Nilsson, the head of IF Metall union, assured The Financial Times that the union has ample funds to sustain the strike for a long time. She emphasized the importance of maintaining the successful model of collective agreements in Sweden and warned that if Tesla demonstrates the feasibility of operating without such agreements, it may tempt other companies to follow suit.
The ongoing protests against Tesla in Sweden highlight the significance of collective agreements in the labor market and the potential consequences of allowing employers to bypass them. The outcome of this conflict could have far-reaching implications for labor relations in Sweden and beyond.
