Tesla ends three-year Sweden strike by buying out union workers

Published Aug 14, 12:03 PM UTC

IF Metall, the Swedish union, announced it is suspending its nearly three-year-long industrial action against Tesla, effective August 19, after the company bought out all striking union workers. The dispute, which began in 2023 over pay and working conditions, involved dockworkers refusing to unload Tesla EVs and cleaners boycotting showrooms. Tesla CEO Elon Musk had called the strike 'insane' and has been critical of unions. The union accused Tesla of 'systematic strikebreaking' by paying off workers rather than agreeing to collective agreements, which are common in Sweden. The financial terms of the buyout were not disclosed. The resolution comes as Tesla's European sales recover, with registrations surging 50% year-over-year in June, including a 43% increase in Sweden.