Hundreds of employees at Northvolt come from third countries, i.e. outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland, and are here on work permits. If they lose their jobs, they have three months to find a new job. If they fail, they are forced to leave the country.
IF Metall, the largest trade union at Northvolt with around 2,000 members, believes that targeted measures from society are needed for the group.
It is important that they receive support and help now to find their way in society. We heard that the municipality said they are trying to do their part. We ourselves do not have jobs to offer, but are trying to guide them in the right direction in society, says Lena Lundgren.
"Much is hindering"
According to the union, they come from countries such as India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Then you also have a lot from Latin America, and a lot from different parts of Africa. So the whole world, says Lundgren.
In contrast to Swedish workers, and to some extent EU workers, they are not covered by the same protection and opportunities for action.
There is so much that is hindering for them. Even if you have earned the right to unemployment benefits, you cannot receive them if you are not allowed to stay in the country, says Lundgren.
At the same time, several assessors point out that Skellefteå – and also Västerbotten and Norrbotten – are crying out for labor. In Skellefteå, the unemployment rate is around 3 percent, even lower among IF Metall's members.
"On all fronts"
The Employment Service agrees that targeted measures for the group may be needed, so that competent personnel are not forced to leave the country.
We will work on all fronts to try to find quick solutions. Because we want people to stay and have a future here, regardless of where they come from, says Camilla Edholm, employment officer for the office for transformation and matching in the north.
What type of measures this may involve is too early to say, but recruitment events may be an alternative.
I know that the municipality is eager to use the "welcome house" (a meeting place for newcomers) to take care of these people and try to guide them further, so that they can find their way and stay, says she.
