Take Action Now!
The dismissal of Swedish Dockworkers Union (SDU) spokesperson and national deputy chair Erik Helgeson is a blatant act of retaliation for the union’s legally-sanctioned boycott of military cargo to and from Israel. This dismissal represents an attack on trade union rights, freedom of speech, and the democratic decision made by dockworkers across Sweden.
In December 2024, SDU members voted with a 68% majority to launch a six-day boycott of military cargo in response to the crisis in Gaza. The boycott was not only legal but also upheld by a unanimous preliminary ruling from Sweden’s labor courts. Yet, on the very day of this legal victory, Erik was dismissed by his employer, Gothenburg RoRo Terminal – a move designed to silence union voices and intimidate workers everywhere.
The SDU vote and action has been one of the strongest actions taken by workers anywhere in Europe in solidarity with the people of Palestine since 2023. It was voted on democratically, carried out lawfully, and targeted military cargo – not the operations of the employer.
Erik’s dismissal is an attack on all of us who believe in the right to organize, to speak out against injustice, and to take meaningful action in solidarity with oppressed peoples. We must act together to demand Erik’s immediate reinstatement and to defend the right of workers to stand up for justice without fear.
Take Action Now!
Send a message to the employer (sample below). Urge your union to join ILWU Local 10 in adopting a solidarity resolution. Send a copy to the Swedish Dockworkers Union at kansli@hamn.nu
Sample Email to Send to DFDS and Gothenburg RoRo Terminal
E-mail to: roroid@gotroro.com
Subject: Reinstate Erik Helgeson – Respect Trade Union Rights
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the dismissal of Erik Helgeson, spokesperson and national deputy chair of the Swedish Dockworkers Union (SDU). Erik was fired on the very day that Sweden’s labor courts upheld the legality of the union’s boycott of military cargo to and from Israel – a boycott undertaken in response to the crisis in Gaza and supported by a democratic vote of the union’s members.
The decision to fire Erik appears to be a retaliatory measure against legitimate union activity, a move that undermines both trade union rights and freedom of speech. Sweden’s labor laws, as well as international standards on freedom of association, protect workers’ rights to organize and speak out about workplace actions without fear of retribution.
I urge you to:
- Immediately reinstate Erik Helgeson to his position.
- Publicly withdraw the baseless accusations against him.
- Commit to respecting the rights of workers to organize and take collective action.
The world is watching how DFDS and Gothenburg RoRo Terminal respond to this situation. Defending Erik’s rights is not just about one individual – it is about upholding democratic principles and protecting the right of all workers to stand in solidarity with those facing injustice.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
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