After lunch on Monday, the employees at battery manufacturer Northvolt were informed that 1,600 people would be forced to leave the company.
The information meeting was held in Skellefteå, and Victor Matinlassi, union chairman at Unionen, participated via a large screen at the office in Stockholm.
Northvolt has delivered an extremely heavy message today, he says.
It's clear that you get worried, both for yourself and your colleagues. The future is not entirely secure, that's how it is.
"Measures must be taken"
According to Victor Matinlassi, the drastic notice reflects the serious economic situation the company finds itself in.
The union shares the view that measures need to be taken, he says.
However, he thinks the process could have been more open and faster.
From the union's side, we are extremely critical and disappointed that the company chose to wait until the last minute to act, he says.
Many members are also worried at IF Metall. Marie Nilsson, IF Metall's national chairman, describes the notice as "a black day for Skellefteå and Västerås".
Families are worried about the future. Dreams may be shattered, she says.
Our hope is that this is a well-considered figure so that you can reduce the number of those who will be laid off in the end.
No help from the state
The Social Democrats' economic policy spokesperson Mikael Damberg says that he "assumes" the government has a plan both to support those who have lost their jobs and the municipality that has made large investments.
The government has repeatedly been clear that the state will not provide economic assistance to Northvolt. Neither does Damberg want to see such a solution.
That's not the main focus for a Swedish government. Now it's about supporting the employees and ensuring that the investments made around the factory in Skellefteå are successful, he says.
According to Minister of Trade and Industry Ebba Busch (KD), the government is closely following the development.
"This means a tough situation and great concern for those who risk losing their jobs", she says in a written comment.
"The government is closely following the development and has contact with the affected parties, including the municipality, the county administrative board, the Agency for Economic and Regional Growth, and the Employment Service. The Employment Service is ready to support the individuals affected".
