The persistent conflict between IF Metall and Tesla is based on the car manufacturer's unwillingness to sign a collective agreement. 17 months into the conflict, the picketers are now witnessing increased support from the general public.
We receive a lot of positive response on social media, says Emma Hansson, a picketer outside one of Tesla's facilities in Stockholm.
Tesla is strongly associated with CEO Elon Musk, whose entry into politics appears to have negatively affected the brand. Sales in Europe are plummeting and several Swedish car dealers do not want to do business with Tesla, while many want to sell their cars, writes Dagens Nyheter.
Today, a woman came here who wants to get rid of her Tesla, precisely because she does not want to be associated with Elon Musk, says Linda Runcrantz, who is supporting the strike from the trade union Kommunal.
"Many thumbs up"
She has also experienced a more positive attitude towards the strike.
In the beginning, we had to take on many more debates on social media and with people walking by, then we had to defend our cause. But now the support feels more self-evident and we get many thumbs up from passers-by.
Marie Nilsson, the chairperson of IF Metall, believes that the increased support is visible throughout Sweden.
We receive signals from picketers around the country that they are getting more positive responses from passers-by and customers who are on their way in, she says.
More are joining
She believes that the declining trust in Tesla makes it tougher for the company to operate and they will have a harder time recruiting.
Over the past six months, several employees have joined the strike, because the work situation feels unsustainable.
Despite more cheers from the general public and support on social media, Marie Nilsson says that the resistance is the same.
As for the collective agreement issue, we see no change. But we keep fighting and I hope that something will eventually make them willing to come to the negotiating table.
