Tesla is expanding its operations in Sweden despite dozens of sympathy strikes around the region targeting the company.
According to a Wednesday report in the Tesla-focused Teslarati, the U.S.-based electric vehicle maker has posted seven job openings for metal workers, painters and claims adjusters at its Stockholm factory.
The new facility has reportedly been operating smoothly, despite the strikes throughout Scandinavia.
Late last year, Tesla’s mechanics in Sweden signed with the Swedish labor union IF Metall. Soon after, negotiations with Tesla broke down, with the company refusing to sign a collective agreement.
Since then, dozens of affiliated unions have launched sympathy strikes affecting parts of Tesla’s business, from the mail to the garbage.
Tesla is probably trying to fill positions that would have been taken by striking mechanics or painters. The decision to hire nonunion workers instead of negotiating with IF Metall signals that Tesla is serious about its anti-union stance.
That could spell trouble for Tesla workers in the U.S., where they’re the primary target of United Auto Workers leadership.
• Vaughn Cockayne can be reached at vcockayne@washingtontimes.com.
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