Story perspectives

Sweden migrant workers win 15 million SEK BenBau deal

By Drooid · Oct 30, 2026 · How we work

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Summary

Migrant workers in Sweden secured a 15 million SEK (€1.3 million) collective agreement with BenBau.
Effective 1 November, deal raises wages to 260 SEK (€23.49) per hour for 78 members.
Investigations found housing overcrowded, with 24 per kitchen, 14 per bathroom, and a February TB case.
In March, tester Sandu suffered an arc-flash at Google’s Belgian datacentre, delivering 400 V and 12,000 A.
Sandu burned 12 % of his body, with second-degree facial and third-degree shoulder injuries.

History

In January 1912, a Massachusetts law shortening the workweek sparked a walkout of over 20,000 immigrant mill workers in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Led by IWW organizers Joseph Ettor and Arturo Giovannitti, the strike forced the American Woolen Company to grant wage hikes of up to 20 percent and spurred further New England textile actions through 1913.

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In January 1912, a Massachusetts law shortening the workweek sparked a walkout of over 20,000 immigrant mill workers in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Led by IWW organizers Joseph Ettor and Arturo Giovannitti, the strike forced the American Woolen Company to grant wage hikes of up to 20 percent and spurred further New England textile actions through 1913.

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