Sweden’s port operations could face serious disruption later this month as dockworkers and transport unions issue coordinated strike warnings amid stalled labor negotiations.
The Swedish Dockworkers’ Union has announced plans for a nationwide six-hour strike on May 21, from noon to 6 p.m., threatening a full shutdown of work across all ports unless progress is made in collective bargaining talks with the ports’ employers association.
“This is a first step to push for meaningful negotiations,” said Erik Helgeson, vice chairman of the Dockworkers’ Union, at a press briefing. “We want real dialogue, and we’re prepared to escalate if necessary.”
Among the union’s core demands are tighter restrictions on the use of temporary agency labor, improved protections for union representatives, and stronger obligations for employers to negotiate in good faith. Helgeson himself was previously dismissed from the Port of Gothenburg—an event that continues to weigh heavily on the union’s calls for improved representation rights.
The Transport Workers’ Union, which represents about 1,700 port workers, has also issued a formal conflict warning over what it describes as the “systematic misuse of temporary personnel” in Swedish ports. The union plans to impose a hiring and agency worker blockade beginning May 21, followed by a staggered strike starting May 30 unless a resolution is reached.
“We are not seeking conflict, but we have reached a point where we must act,” said Transport Workers’ Union Chairman Tommy Wreeth. “We remain open to talks and hope to find a solution, but we are ready to defend our members’ rights.”
The dual threat has raised concerns among port operators and industry leaders.
“This is an unsustainable situation,” said Johan Grauers, chief negotiator for Sweden’s Ports, in a written statement. “Our members are facing strike threats from two different unions, each with separate demands. What we need right now is stability and the ability to focus on our operations—especially in today’s uncertain geopolitical environment.”
The mediation institute has not yet commented publicly on the conflict, but observers say its role may soon be critical in averting a broader labor disruption.
