Tesla faces workers' strike and port blockade in Sweden

A workers' strike has been ongoing at Tesla service centers in Sweden since Friday. This action was bolstered on Tuesday with support coming from the transport industry union, leading to the blockage of ports.

The employees at Tesla's workshops, who are members of the IF Metall trade union, are demanding a collective agreement from the American company. This agreement is expected to specify, amongst other things, the structure of wages and contributions to the pension fund. Tesla, however, is resisting, reiterating that it is not obligated to sign such an agreement.

In a show of solidarity on Tuesday, a blockade of ports was initiated to prevent Tesla electric cars from entering the Swedish market. Dockworkers are expected to refuse unloading the vehicles. An expansion of the blockade action to other ports is anticipated from November 17th.

The latest union to throw their weight behind the strike is the LO Real Estate association. This organization has made it clear that it will halt cleaning operations at Tesla facilities.

In Sweden, a large portion of companies acknowledge collective agreement settlements. Approximately 90 percent of the workforce are protected by these agreements. Nevertheless, Tesla founder Elon Musk is well-known for his antipathy towards trade unions.