EVwire brief: Seko is escalating its actions against Tesla by targeting the company’s expanding charging network in Sweden.
The union plans to block maintenance, service, and repair work at Tesla charging stations, including those operated by third-party partners. These are part of Seko’s efforts to halt further expansion of the Supercharger network before Tesla signs a collective agreement.
Hat tip to our friend Anders Nyman for this story:
Context:
Tesla has increasingly opened its charging network to external partners, allowing businesses such as shopping centers and commercial sites to host and operate Tesla charging infrastructure. This model enables the network to grow without Tesla directly running every location.
Seko says this approach is now being introduced in Sweden, so it is now moving to counter it. The union is issuing a blockade that applies not only to Tesla-operated sites but also to charging stations installed by Tesla and run by other companies. The action is set to take effect at 01:00 on Walpurgis Night.
Tesla Sweden has used various workarounds to set up its Superchargers, such as using Megapack batteries at this Löddeköpinge site
The broader dispute between Tesla and Swedish unions dates back to October 2023, more than two years ago. The despite was due to Tesla’s refusal to sign a collective agreement with IF Metall. Other unions such as Seko later implemented sympathy strikes against Tesla.
Seko contract secretary Ulrika Nilsson said:
“It’s about stopping Tesla from installing more charging poles before they have signed a collective agreement.”
Tesla’s Supercharger network in Sweden is not limited to Tesla owners. Most sites are open to non-Tesla electric vehicles, meaning the infrastructure serves a broader segment of EV drivers beyond Tesla’s own fleet.
Tesla Sweden has been able to activate several new Superchargers despite union blockades
Tesla Superchargers are a battleground in Sweden’s labor dispute
By extending the blockade to include maintenance and servicing at charging sites, even those run by partners, Seko is trying to limit Tesla’s ability to keep expanding its network through indirect routes.
Despite this, Nilsson acknowledged that Tesla has a track record of adapting to earlier actions by the unions.
“Tesla is Tesla. They keep trying.”
Source: Arbetet
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