“Elon Musk’s business model is one that is designed to avoid respecting human rights. We must defend workers and the rights that they have fought so long for. We stand with the UAW in their fight.” This conflict is not just about Tesla and its workers – it is a symbol of the broader battle for labor rights and the critical importance of the freedom to organize and strike. Without these rights, workers around the world remain vulnerable to exploitation and injustice. The right to strike is not just a tool—it is a crucial defense that ensures workers can stand up for themselves and each other, said IndustriALL general secretary, yesterday, citing UAW federal labor charges filed against ex US President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

IndustriALL on Tesla

“Tesla, a company notorious for its anti-union stance, employs over 120,000 workers worldwide yet refuses to engage in collective bargaining. Attempts to organize within Tesla have been met with fierce resistance, with Elon Musk himself threatening retaliation against workers who attempt to unionize. This has led to significant tensions with labor unions, particularly in Sweden.

“Swedish union IF Metall became the first to take action against Tesla’s anti-union practices, initiating industrial action on 27 October 2023 in 12 Tesla-owned garages and expanding to 20 more locations.

“Despite brief negotiations in November last year, Tesla remained steadfast in its refusal to sign a collective agreement. The company’s management has dismissed labor rights, arguing that ‘they are not part of the company’s concept.’ Elon Musk has publicly criticized unions, claiming they create division and negativity within companies,” IndustriALL said.