"We were told that things were starting to look up, that it was getting better and better for Northvolt and that we were on the right track. Then this came out of nowhere," says Harin John from India.
The day after the bankruptcy announcement, the atmosphere at Northvolt’s gates in Skellefteå was subdued.
Many of the employees are so-called third-country nationals, meaning they come from outside the EU/EEA. They are now pinning their hopes on a new player stepping in to take over production and keep the factory running with fresh capital.
– I have no idea what will happen to me now. I don’t know anything about my visa situation or anything, says 32-year-old Harin John from India, who has worked at Northvolt for two years.
Khurram Shahzad, 30, from Pakistan is in the same situation.
– Right now, I have no words, he says.
If they are laid off, Harin, Khurram, and all other non-EU citizens must find a new job—with a minimum monthly salary of 28,480 kronor—within three months. Otherwise, they will be forced to leave the country.
– This is a tragic time for everyone working at Northvolt. I will try to find a new job within this limited time. Let’s hope for the best, says Khurram Shahzad.
Harin John says that everyone is very frustrated right now.
– We were told that things were starting to look up, that it was getting better and better for Northvolt and that we were on the right track. Then this came out of nowhere.
A bankruptcy trustee has taken over operations, and production restarted in the morning after being paused since Wednesday.
– Now they say they will keep us updated. We’ll see.
There is, of course, also great concern among Northvolt’s Swedish employees. Process operator Marcus Backman, 23, from Skellefteå:
– It’s obviously an uncertain future. Many people are feeling down right now.
Skellefteå resident Marcus Backman says that many people are feeling down now.
What do you think about your own future?
– I guess I’ll stay here as long as I can and, in the worst case, look for another job.
The largest union at Northvolt is IF Metall, which has around 1,800 members at the site. Lena Lundgren, local coordinator, says the union is prioritizing being present at the factory and in Skellefteå in the coming weeks.
The union has experience with major industrial bankruptcies in the past, and Lundgren says they are as prepared as possible.
– But you can never fully prepare for a bankruptcy of this magnitude. Right now, there is a lot of sadness, and it still feels a bit shocking for me and many others, she says.
According to Lena Lundgren, local coordinator at IF Metall, the union is prioritizing a strong presence at Northvolt and in Skellefteå in the near future.
She says that the biggest concern from members is related to what will happen with the work permits for those who are not EU citizens.
– And there are also concerns about the overall financial situation. How will I be able to pay my rent, finance my loans? Am I entitled to unemployment benefits? Will I even receive a salary?
So what answers do you have to give? Will they get their salary?
– Now the state wage guarantee steps in. After that, we need to find out if there’s any money left in the bankrupt company. We will have a meeting with the bankruptcy trustee, and only after that meeting will I have more answers to give.
The gates at Northvolt Ett, the day after the bankruptcy announcement.
Northvolt filed for bankruptcy on Wednesday.
At Northvolt’s gates, Khurram Shazad lets out a deep sigh. He has worked at Northvolt for just over two years, enjoys living in Sweden, and would love to stay if given the opportunity. But right now, everything feels very uncertain.
– I had a feeling it could end in bankruptcy after the lay-offs last autumn It wasn’t so surprising to me.
He continues:
– I think things could have been handled better. But now isn’t the right time to discuss that.
Anything else you’d like to add?
– Yes. Please pray for us, says Khurram.