UNIONS in Norway vowed yesterday to take action against Tesla in solidarity with their Swedish counterparts, who are demanding that the Texas-based car-maker sign a collective bargaining agreement.

United Federation of Trade Unions head Jorn Eggum warned that if Tesla failed to accept the demand from Swedish metalworkers’ union IF Metall by December 20, “we will proceed with the implementation of boycott actions.”

The 170,000-strong federation organises, among others, employees in car repair workshops.

“This is a clear signal to Tesla that they cannot transport Swedish Teslas through Norway,” Mr Eggum said, adding that it was too early to say exactly which measures would be taken. 

If Tesla attempt to move vehicles through the country, “it will be met with actions and we will take the measures necessary to make this work.”

Dockers at Sweden’s four largest ports have already stopped the delivery of Tesla vehicles in solidarity with 130 members of IF Metall at seven workshops who walked out on October 27.

On Tuesday, the United Federation of Workers in neighbouring Denmark said that there had been speculation that Tesla would deliver its cars to Danish ports and transport them by lorry to Sweden to bypass the blockade by dockers there.