A labor dispute between Tesla (TSLA.O) and Swedish trade union IF Metall has attracted many unions from around the Nordic area. These unions are all pressuring the automaker to sign a collective bargaining agreement.

On October 27, about 130 IF Metall employees went on strike. This sparked sympathy strikes, which are acts of solidarity by workers not involved in the strike. These strikes included dockworkers, cleaners, and auto dealerships.

In contrast to the United States, where such activities are mainly forbidden, sympathy strikes are often lawful in the Nordic nations. This is a significant political difference.

In the 1990s, the American toy company Toys “R” Us reached a collective bargaining agreement with its 130 Swedish employees following a three-month strike that included sympathy strikes and blockades. This deal was reached after the strike came to an end.

In Sweden, where Tesla’s Model Y has been the most popular new car sold so far this year, the following is an outline of the sympathy measures that are putting pressure on Tesla by potentially disrupting its supply chain:

(Sweden)

Beginning in November, the transport workers’ union in Sweden committed to obstructing the loading and unloading of Tesla automobiles across the country’s ports. Additionally, a dockworkers’ union said that beginning November 17, it will no longer handle Tesla automobiles in Swedish harbors.

On November 20, Seko, a group representing workers in the service and communications sectors, started a blockade against PostNord and CityMail-provided mail and parcel delivery and pickup at Tesla’s offices in Sweden. This resulted in the electric vehicle manufacturer losing access to license plates from the Swedish transport authorities.

Beginning on November 21, the union of civil officials said that its members at PostNord, controlled by the national governments of Sweden and Denmark, will halt deliveries to Tesla.

In November, the electricians’ union committed to any electrical repair work at Tesla facilities and charging points. The painters’ union also warned that it intended to cease painting Tesla vehicles.

Beginning on November 17, the building maintenance workers’ union ended all work associated with the automobile manufacturer. Additionally, a building workers’ union committed to ending construction and maintenance work at Tesla service workshops.

Beginning on November 24, unionized employees at Hydro Extrusions, a part of the Norwegian aluminum and energy business Hydro (NHY.OL), ceased working on automobile items manufactured by Tesla. These individuals are members of the IF Metall union.

On November 14, the Swedish musicians’ organization said that it would prevent some songs from being played on the speakers of Tesla vehicles.

Several Swedish pension funds have pressed Tesla to sign the deal with the union; nevertheless, the funds have refrained from selling shares yet.

Norway (Norway)

On December 6, the largest private sector labor organization in Norway said it would begin blocking transit shipments of Tesla automobiles intended for the Swedish market beginning on December 20. This would occur unless the electric vehicle manufacturer negotiated with IF Metall.

The union wanted to send a “clear signal to Tesla” and do everything required to guarantee that car shipments from Norway to Sweden were prevented. However, the organization failed to specify the steps it may take to accomplish this specific goal.

Denmark (Denmark)

The Danish dockworkers’ union said on December 5 that it would neither unload nor transport Tesla automobiles for Swedish clients for the time being.

PensionDanmark, one of Denmark’s most significant pension funds, said on December 6 that it had decided to liquidate its assets in Tesla due to the automaker’s failure to engage in deals with labor unions.