Mechanics in Sweden are on strike and it is spreading
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The Tesla Model Y has been Sweden's bestselling vehicle for months as that country continues to embrace electric cars fully. However, the love affair with the biggest EV maker in the world has gone sour.
Tesla is currently embroiled in a labor dispute that has expanded across Scandinavia and is stirring significant attention in the international community. This situation presents a complex interplay between union demands, corporate policies, and cultural differences in labor practices.
Origins of the Dispute: Swedish Mechanics Take a Stand
The conflict originated in Sweden with a strike by about 120 mechanics and members of the IF Metall union. Tesla's engagement in collective bargaining is central to their demands – a standard labor practice in Scandinavia, which Tesla has so far resisted. The mechanics are not seeking higher pay but insist on Tesla honoring the principle of collective bargaining, highlighting an ideological clash between U.S. corporate culture and Scandinavian labor norms.
Escalation and Regional Solidarity
The labor action swiftly gained momentum, with various Swedish sectors expressing solidarity. The conflict reached Denmark, where the largest trade union announced a sympathy strike, further complicating Tesla's logistical operations in the region. The Danish union's decision to halt shipments of Tesla cars to Sweden exemplifies the strong regional support for collective bargaining rights and worker solidarity.
Tesla's Reaction: Legal Actions and Public Statements
Tesla has responded to the strike with legal actions, filing lawsuits against the Swedish Transport Agency and the postal service. Elon Musk has publicly criticized the strike and the involvement of postal workers, which he termed “insane.” This response indicates a broader resistance from Tesla towards unionization and collective bargaining, consistent with Musk's known stance against unions.
It wasn’t long ago that it appeared that the new next-generation, $25,000 vehicle would be produced in Europe at Giga Berlin. However, perhaps due to the ongoing dispute, Musk has stated that the high-production vehicle will be made in North America, as originally planned.
A Crossroads for Tesla and European Labor
The dispute's expansion into Denmark and potential spread to Norway and Germany indicates a growing resistance against Tesla's labor policies. This situation places Tesla at a crossroads: adapt to the European model of labor relations or continue its current approach, potentially risking market stability and brand reputation in Europe. The outcome of this conflict could have far-reaching implications for Tesla’s global operations and the dynamic between multinational corporations and labor unions.
Tesla’s Challenges Ahead
Tesla's refusal to sign collective bargaining agreements is rooted in its corporate philosophy and Musk's vision of a flexible, innovative workforce. This stance, however, clashes with the Scandinavian model of labor relations, which emphasizes collaboration between employers and unions. The standoff has brought Tesla's labor policies into the spotlight and poses a significant challenge to its operations and reputation in Europe, which has embraced EVs.
As Tesla navigates this challenging situation, the company must weigh its corporate philosophy against the entrenched labor practices of its regions. The resolution of this dispute will impact Tesla's future in Europe and set a precedent for international labor relations and the balance of power between global corporations and local labor practices.
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With the first Tesla Robotaxi rides starting shortly for early access users in Austin, Tesla has published a detailed set of rules for its first passengers.
They outline everything from who can ride to how you can behave in a car with no driver, and are designed to ensure safety. Tesla is using a safety monitor during the initial rollout phases, so the front passenger seat will not be available for customers.
Who Can Ride
Tesla has laid out clear guidelines on who is eligible to be a passenger, as well as some expected in-car conduct.
You must be at least 18 years old to book a ride and to ride alone. Riders are permitted to bring one guest, provided that the guest is also over the age of 18. You cannot book a ride for another person; the account holder must be present for the entire trip.
That’s all pretty straightforward, and we expect Tesla to relax some of the rules in the coming months. That means that once the safety monitor is gone, the number could increase to three or four.
How to Behave
All passengers must remain seated with their seatbelts fastened for the entire duration of the ride. There is a strict prohibition on smoking, vaping, or consuming alcohol or other drugs inside the vehicle.
Riders are also asked to be courteous and leave the Robotaxi in the same condition as they found it. Those who damage or dirty the vehicle may be charged an additional, currently unspecified fee after the ride.
Hands Off: Driverless Vehicle
This is where the rules get a bit more interesting, focusing on the unique fact that the Model Ys that Tesla is using still have driver controls.
Riders are prohibited from sitting in the front-left driver’s seat. Additionally, riders must not tamper with, modify, or attempt to physically manipulate any vehicle equipment, including the steering wheel and pedals.
Interestingly, Tesla also has a rule on reverse-engineering and intellectual property protection. While photos and videos of the experience are permitted, riders are prohibited from bringing onboard instruments or equipment intended to record, measure, or conduct surveillance on Robotaxi.
Service Animal Exception
For riders with disabilities, Tesla has outlined a specific policy. Only small service animals that are trained to work or perform tasks are permitted in the vehicle. No other pets are allowed.
However, riders are not required to provide proof; however, support may ask you to confirm that the animal is required due to a disability and what task it is trained to perform.
At this point, we’re not sure whether Tesla will allow non-service animals in its Robotaxi Network in the near future. It would make sense if they did - many people travel with their pets, or need to take them from one location to another - but for now, only service animals will be allowed.
Tesla is definitely taking a safety-first approach in the initial launch, and with the presence of the Safety Monitor, they’re being very cautious. There is a long way to go before the average person becomes comfortable with an autonomous vehicle with no one in the driver’s seat, and building public trust is a good first step.
After several sets of spy shots showing camouflaged prototypes, the new Model Y Performance has finally broken cover in the German Alps. The performance variant was finally spotted completely undisguised and driving on public roads.
The video, captured by Nextmove on YouTube, gives us a great look at some differentiating features of the Performance variant.
Performance Model Aerodynamics
The new video confirms that the Model Y Performance model will receive a unique and more aggressive aerodynamics package. Clearly visible in the video is a new rear diffuser on the lower bumper, which is much more pronounced than the one on the standard Model Y.
Also confirmed is the longer, carbon fiber spoiler on the liftgate. Tesla is sticking with the carbon fiber look for its Performance variants, and this one in particular appears to be longer than the one on the original Model Y Performance.
New Badge & Wheels
Carscoops
For the first time, on what is likely a production-intent vehicle, we can make out a blurry shot of what appears to be a performance badge on the right side of the trunk. While the exact details are hard to make out, it appears to be a new icon in orange or red, similar in design to the Model 3 Performance Ludicrous badging.
The vehicle is also sporting the same new Performance wheels that were previously seen on the prototype, making the rounds on the Nürburgring. These unique wheels appear to be exclusive to the Performance variant, and look like they’re the first staggered option for the new Model Y.
Launch Soon
The appearance of a fully uncovered vehicle driving on public roads is typically one of the final stages for Tesla before it launches a new vehicle. We saw this with the lightly refreshed Model S and Model X just recently. While the key visual differentiators are all but confirmed, we’re still waiting on the most important parts: the official 0-60 mph time and details on the updated dynamics. It’s clear Tesla has some engineering magic working behind the scenes, and we can't wait to see the final results.
