The ongoing strike and blockades against Tesla in Sweden have raised concerns within the Swedish Confederation of Enterprise (Swedish Enterprise), an influential employers’ organization. While the Swedish Trade Union Confederation (LO) has previously expressed its willingness to expel Tesla from the country if the electric vehicle manufacturer does not sign a collective agreement, Swedish Enterprise is worried about the potential negative impact on Sweden’s reputation.
Swedish Enterprise, which represents 60,000 affiliated companies with collective agreements, is considered a powerful entity in Sweden. Recent developments have seen IF Metall, a prominent union, intensify its efforts against Tesla. The electric vehicle manufacturer no longer receives cleaning services in its workshops and offices, and the maintenance of Tesla’s charging stations has been halted. In addition, a Swedish supplier of parts for Tesla’s Model Y has also expressed its intention to stop supplying Giga Berlin.
Jan-Olof Jacke, the CEO of Swedish Enterprise, has commented on the strike, stating that the measures taken against Tesla are becoming irrational. He expressed concern that if Tesla is forced to leave Sweden due to the strikes and blockades, it could tarnish Sweden’s image and its renowned model. Jacke emphasized the need for collective agreements to be so attractive that companies like Tesla choose to sign them voluntarily, rather than being coerced.
Despite the strike, Swedish Enterprise, which includes Tesla electric vehicles in its company car program, announced that it would continue purchasing electric vehicles from the automaker, showing its support. However, the organization urges finding a solution that does not result in negative publicity for Sweden.