In April 2023, 105 train drivers connected to the train operator MTR went on a so-called wild strike against plans to get rid of train attendants on commuter train traffic in the Stockholm area. The strike, which was not supported by the union, paralyzed traffic for three days and cost MTR large sums of money.
The operator initially chose to sue all 105 striking train drivers in the Labour Court, but later directed its claim against only ten of them.
Now, the parties have reached a settlement, which means that the ten train drivers will pay a total of 475,000 kronor. The amount includes 2,500 kronor per striking driver and court costs of 450,000 kronor, according to the trade union newspaper Arbetsvärlden.
Despite the costs, train driver Nils Westberg Ahlmark sees the settlement as a victory. In connection with the strike, the drivers collected over two million kronor for a strike fund, which, according to Arbetsvärlden, is intended to cover any damages.
What we have won in substance is that we have put the focus on single-manning not just in Stockholm, but throughout Sweden. The train attendants are gone, but I believe they can come back in some form in the future, he says to P4 Stockholm.
