Turkish workers hired for a major steel plant project in northern Sweden say they were cheated out of their promised wages. The laborers traveled to Sweden expecting fair pay for their work but instead returned home with empty pockets and broken promises.
Five Turkish workers shared their stories of financial devastation after working on the Stegra steel plant project in Boden. Caner Sahin purchased a washing machine, refrigerator, and television on credit before his wedding, expecting to pay off the debts with his Swedish earnings. The wedding was canceled when the money never arrived. The appliances now sit unopened in his apartment near Izmir, collecting dust as constant reminders of his disappointment.
The workers described putting in extensive overtime and weekend shifts for the project. They worked hard believing they would receive proper compensation. Then the payments from their subcontractor Ankitech suddenly stopped coming.
Gökhan Cecen expressed the group's frustration clearly. He said they feel deceived and exploited by the situation. Many workers have calculated they are owed substantial amounts, typically exceeding 200,000 Swedish kronor, with some claims surpassing 300,000 kronor.
The Swedish construction union Byggnads intervened to help the Turkish workers. This week, the union reached an agreement with main contractor Gemkom for partial compensation. The workers learned they would receive up to 44,000 kronor each.
Nevzat Yigit voiced the workers' dissatisfaction with the settlement. He explained that the amount represents only a fraction of what they were originally promised. The Turkish workers now plan to travel back to Boden to stage protests demanding fair treatment.
The blame game continues between the companies involved. Subcontractor Ankitech claims the responsibility lies with their client Gemkom. Gemkom counters that Ankitech bears the ultimate responsibility for paying the workers.
Stegra, the steel company at the center of the project, says they fulfill their responsibility by requiring all suppliers to maintain collective bargaining agreements. Company spokesperson Karin Hallstan stated that when dialogue fails, they can replace companies, which has happened previously.
This case highlights ongoing challenges in Sweden's construction industry with subcontractor chains and worker protections. Similar incidents have occurred where migrant workers face wage theft through complex contracting arrangements. Sweden's strong labor traditions typically protect workers, but gaps appear when international subcontractors enter the picture.
The situation raises questions about enforcement mechanisms when multinational projects involve workers from multiple countries. Sweden prides itself on fair labor practices, yet these Turkish workers found themselves without the protections Swedish workers would typically expect.
What happens next could set important precedents for how Sweden handles similar cases involving international workers. The planned protests in Boden will test whether the workers can achieve better outcomes through direct action. The case also demonstrates the need for clearer accountability in subcontracting relationships, especially when workers cross international borders for employment.
International readers should understand that Sweden generally maintains high labor standards, but this case shows how global subcontracting can create vulnerabilities. Workers considering international projects should verify contracting arrangements carefully and understand which entities bear ultimate responsibility for wage payments.