Tesla Faces New Swedish Blockade as Union Escalates Dispute

The labor union IF Metall has intensified its conflict with Tesla in Sweden by initiating a new industrial action. This latest move involves a work stoppage by Linde Material Handling, a major forklift company, which will halt all services provided to Tesla's Swedish subsidiary, TM Sweden. The union's objective remains to pressure Tesla into signing a collective agreement for its employees.

Key Takeaways

• IF Metall has launched a new blockade against Tesla in Sweden.

• Linde Material Handling, a forklift services company, will cease all work for Tesla.

• The action aims to disrupt Tesla's operations and push for a collective agreement.

• This escalation follows previous blockades by other Swedish unions.

Linde Material Handling Joins Blockade

IF Metall announced that Linde Material Handling, one of Sweden's largest forklift companies, will implement a total work stoppage affecting Tesla's operations starting October 15. This action will halt all maintenance, repair, and service of forklifts that Linde provides to TM Sweden, Tesla's local subsidiary. Simon Petersson, IF Metall's contract secretary, stated that Linde services many companies and Tesla represents a small portion of their business, making this action less impactful for Linde but significant for Tesla's operations.

Union's Strategy and Tesla's Stance

Petersson explained that the union's strategy involves accumulating pressure through various smaller actions. By stopping Linde's services, Tesla will face difficulties in getting its trucks repaired or serviced, regardless of their location. This move comes after the Swedish Mediation Institute ended negotiations between IF Metall and Tesla last month. Despite Tesla's firm stance against collective agreements for its employees, IF Metall continues its efforts, with other unions like the Electricians union and postal unions Seko and ST also having initiated blockades against Tesla Sweden.

Previous Actions and Future Outlook

The conflict between IF Metall and Tesla has been ongoing, with the union seeking a collective bargaining agreement to ensure fair working conditions. Previous actions have included blockades by postal services and electricians, impacting Tesla's ability to receive and deliver vehicles and parts. The success of this latest blockade by Linde remains to be seen, but it represents a significant escalation in the union's campaign to compel Tesla to negotiate.