Two years after industrial action began at Tesla in Sweden, the dispute has become a test case for the Swedish model of collective bargaining. It is also a warning signal for Europe about the need to safeguard workers’ rights in the transition and against companies that show contempt and disregard for acquired rights.
Today, 27 October, marks two years since industrial action began at Tesla in Sweden. The conflict, led by IF Metall, concerns the company’s refusal to sign a collective agreement – a key element of the Swedish labour market model.
Since the strike started in October 2023, IF Metall members have maintained their action, supported by sympathy measures from other Swedish unions representing sectors such as transport, postal services, and dock work. The dispute has become a significant test case for the defence of collective bargaining in Sweden.
IndustriAll Europe continues to stand in solidarity with IF Metall and the Swedish trade union movement in their efforts to uphold national labour standards and the right to collective bargaining.
IndustriAll Europe General Secretary Judith Kirton-Darling underlined that the case of Tesla shows the vital importance of social conditionalities in the energy transition:
“It is not enough to push forward with electrification when this comes at the expense of workers and trade union rights. We cannot accept a transition that undermines our social model if it is to be accepted by workers and society.”
What happens in Sweden has implications far beyond its borders. As Europe advances its green and digital transitions, the Tesla dispute highlights the need to ensure that new industries and business models respect established labour rights and collective bargaining systems across all member states.
This is why the international trade union community will stand strong. Last year, we joined the picket line in Stockholm. This year, we stand with you in thoughts and actions. Together with IF Metall, we call on Tesla to engage in dialogue and to respect Europe’s long-standing social model, built on social partnership and collective agreements.