Elon Musk Calls Tesla Strike in Sweden ‘Insane’ as 9 Unions Target Company, Leaving Cars Without License Plates

Elon Musk's Response to Strikes

Elon Musk has described the growing wave of strikes against Tesla in Sweden as "insane." The strikes, which began in late October, have been initiated by the trade union IF Metall, and have since gained support from eight other unions. The latest union to join the strike is the Swedish postal services, which means that new Tesla cars will not receive license plates, causing a potential setback for the company.

Background of the Strikes

The labor battle started on October 27 when mechanics belonging to the Swedish union IF Metall walked out. The union is seeking a collective agreement on wages and benefits for the approximately 120 employees working at Tesla's Swedish service facilities. They are advocating for fair and safe working conditions, similar to those offered by other companies in Sweden.

Impact of the Strikes

The strikes have caused disruptions in various areas. Dockworkers at multiple ports in Sweden have refused to unload Tesla cars from ships, and electricians have stopped repair work at Tesla's charging stations. Additionally, unions representing cleaners have halted work at Tesla facilities.

Pressure on Tesla in Germany

Tesla is also facing pressure from its factories in Germany, particularly its Berlin gigafactory where the Model Y cars are produced. Union leaders in Germany have been attempting to organize the roughly 11,500 employees. In response to the mounting pressures, Elon Musk has given a 4% pay raise to the workers at the Berlin gigafactory.

Tesla has not yet provided a comment on the situation.

Source: Business Insider

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By: insider@insider.com (Yoonji Han)
Title: Elon Musk Calls Tesla Strike in Sweden ‘Insane’ as 9 Unions Target Company, Leaving Cars Without License Plates
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-tesla-sweden-strike-unions-elon-musk-2023-11
Published Date: Thu, 23 Nov 2023 15:47:07 +0000