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A Novus opinion poll reveals that most Swedes, approximately 58%, back the ongoing mechanics strike at Tesla’s workshops in Sweden, supporting the right to collective bargaining for trade union IF Metall. The strike, initiated in October, has garnered widespread public support, with only 20% opposing the industrial action.
Tesla faces backlash in Nordic region
Tesla’s refusal to acknowledge the demands of IF Metall has triggered a broader backlash from unions and pension funds across the Nordic region. The dispute has led to sympathy strikes and prompted some pension funds to divest their shares in Tesla, impacting the company’s standing in the region.
Challenges to Tesla’s anti-union stance
With approximately 127,000 workers, Tesla has consistently avoided collective bargaining agreements, and CEO Elon Musk has been vocal about his anti-union stance. The mechanics strike in Sweden has further highlighted the challenges Tesla faces in maintaining its position against unions.
Erosion of public confidence in Tesla
The Novus poll indicates that a clear majority of Swedes perceive a decline in their confidence in Tesla during the conflict. The growing support for the Swedish model of collective bargaining reflects the public’s dissatisfaction with Tesla’s resistance to adhering to established labour market norms.
Impact on Tesla’s reputation in key region
The Nordic region, a crucial market for Tesla, has witnessed sympathy strikes and divestments by pension funds, impacting the company’s reputation. The mechanics strike in Sweden has become emblematic of the broader tensions between Tesla and unions, contributing to a decline in public trust.
Swedish labour market model prevails
Sweden’s labour market model, where employers and unions negotiate working conditions and salaries with minimal government intervention, has found strong support among the public. The ongoing dispute with Tesla has brought attention to the significance of adhering to established labour norms and collective bargaining practices in the Swedish context.
The mechanics strike at Tesla’s workshops in Sweden has not only gained significant public support but has also underscored the challenges Tesla faces in the Nordic region due to its resistance to collective bargaining and anti-union stance. The conflict has not only impacted Tesla’s reputation but has also reignited discussions about the importance of adhering to established labour market norms in Sweden.
