Strikers gathered outside Tesla’s premises in Malmö on Monday for the third day in a row. As of today, those on strike will receive compensation that is higher than their salary.
The union IF Metall’s strike against the electric car giant Tesla is in its third week, and several unions have supported it with sympathy measures over time.
IF Metall has for several years demanded that the employees be covered by collective agreements.
Tesla in turn states that they comply with Swedish labor market regulations, but like many other companies have chosen not to enter into a collective agreement.
The criticism: “Outdated”
The liberal think tank Timbro is critical of the Swedish trade unions and describes the Swedish model as outdated.
CEO Benjamin Dousa believes that flexibility is required for a market that changes very quickly.
– To then sit in negotiations for seven, eight, nine months with the union instead of contributing to a better service or product for customers, that could mean the end of many companies.
– Collective agreements in order for them to survive must be much more flexible and adapt to how the world and Sweden look today, says CEO Benjamin Dousa.
A: Must take the fight
So far, no new date has been planned for new negotiations between the parties. The conflict looks set to be prolonged – and seems to be increasingly ideological.
The Social Democrats’ party secretary Tobias Baudin visited Tesla’s premises in Malmö on Monday to show his support.
– We have to take this fight, we have to show that this large company that makes multi-million profits must also get right in the ranks, he says.
Unlike Benjamin Dousa, he thinks Tesla should follow what he describes as the Swedish model.
– If you come to Sweden, you have to line up, this applies to individuals, but it also applies to companies.