It's been two weeks since Northvolt filed for bankruptcy.
The Migrantmän association is one of the organizers, alongside the trade unions at Northvolt.
Several demands are being directed at governing politicians.
Among them, Per Lindbäck states, is a demand to abolish the "three-month rule" for non-European citizens. Under the current regulations, laid-off workers who are citizens of non-EU countries must secure new employment—with a minimum monthly salary of 28,480 kronor—within three months. Otherwise, they are compelled to leave the country.
– Many at Northvolt are in that situation. We believe the three-month rule should be removed, says Per Lindbäck.
He also advocates for the abolition of the minimum monthly salary requirement of 28,480 kronor.
– Such a rule makes it even more difficult for people to find a new job.
At the demonstration, there will also be a demand for battery production to remain in Skellefteå.
– The whole city is affected by this; the situation is extremely serious. Those hit the hardest are the ones being laid off, especially non-European citizens, but all of Skellefteå is impacted.
– Perhaps countries together, or even Sweden alone, could help ensure that production stays here and doesn’t move elsewhere.
Do you think, for example, that the state should step in with funding to help Northvolt?
– It could be about financial support or assisting in other ways.
Per Lindbäck hopes there will be many in the square.
The demonstration, which will be held at Guldtorget, starts at 12 o’clock on Saturday.
– I hope many people will come, as many as when AIK celebrated their championship this spring. We in Skellefteå are ready to fight, and I think it’s important to show that.