According to Erik Helgeson, the Vice Chairman of the Dockworkers' Union, it is about a total shutdown of work – if the collective bargaining negotiations have not reached further by then.
We are issuing a strike warning on May 21, between 12 pm and 6 pm in all Swedish ports, he says at a press conference.
This is an initial industrial action to achieve constructive talks.
Among the union's demands is a limitation on how many of the employees who will be allowed to be temporary agency workers.
With the background that Erik Helgeson was previously dismissed from his position at the Port of Gothenburg, the Dockworkers' Union also wants to see an enhanced negotiation obligation and better protection for elected representatives.
Transport Issues Warning
The Transport Workers' Union is also issuing a warning of conflict after what the union calls stalled negotiations with the Swedish Ports regarding the "misuse of temporary personnel".
They are primarily warning of a blockade against new hires and temporary agency workers on May 21. After that, a strike that will break out in stages in different ports starting on May 30.
We have no desire whatsoever to end up in conflict, but the situation has forced us to issue a warning. Then we are fully committed to finding a solution and are naturally available to both the counterpart and the mediation institute, says the union's chairman Tommy Wreeth.
Transport has around 1,700 members who work in the ports.
"Unsustainable Situation"
"The member companies are in an unsustainable situation when they receive strike warnings from two different unions, which want two different things", says Johan Grauers, the chief negotiator for the Swedish Ports, in a written comment to TT.
"What the ports need is calm and focus on operations, especially in a time of uncertainty and a deteriorating security situation".
