NewsRising pressure on Elon Musk's empire: Tesla's challenges mount

Rising pressure on Elon Musk's empire: Tesla's challenges mount

Elon Musk called the protests in Sweden "madness."
Elon Musk called the protests in Sweden "madness."
Images source: © GETTY | Michael M. Santiago
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12:46 AM EST, December 6, 2023

News of Swedish Tesla employees' protests is spreading fast. The movement also gained support from Danish dockworkers, as reported by Reuters. Consequently, Tesla, the US electric car manufacturer founded by Elon Musk, is grappling with escalating problems while their customers await resolutions.

The demonstrations by Tesla's Swedish workforce have disrupted the delivery of Musk’s company vehicles to Sweden. The strike, initiated in October, has been bolstered by postmen and port workers, among others. These workers see to the delivery of vehicles from the American manufacturer. Their participation in the protests, for example, stalls the transportation of license plates.

In response to the disruption, Tesla had to seek new delivery routes. However, it appears that Denmark may not offer a viable alternative either.

"On Tuesday, December 5, Danish trade union 3F announced its decision to support the Swedish technicians in their strike against Tesla, refusing to unload or transport any vehicles produced by the American automobile company for Swedish customers," Reuters reported.

The issues within Elon Musk's company continue to amass

In a statement, 3F Chairman Jan Villadsen emphasized, "The labor movement is a global crusade to protect workers." He also added that it was the Swedes themselves who sought help in this matter.

It's worth noting that the strike in Swedish centers and Tesla service points was ignited at the start of November. The IF Metall trade union spearheaded the campaign. Union members are demanding that the management at Elon Musk's firm signs a collective agreement to regulate wage conditions, as well as holiday and retirement benefits.

On the other hand, Tesla's stance is that it does not subscribe to such agreements with trade unions globally. Elon Musk, Tesla's founder, labeled the company's Swedish predicament as "madness" on a social media platform.

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