1936–1937 Gothenburg rent strike
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The 1936–1937 Gothenburg rent strike, also known as the Olskroken conflict, was a major tenant mobilization by residents of the working-class neighborhood of Olskroken, in eastern Gothenburg. The strike was led by a local tenants union (Swedish: Hyresgästernas centralförsamling), who pushed for lower rents and increased maintenance. After dispute resolution fell through, a standoff ensued, where about 250 families were evicted. The strike ended with a victory for the tenants.[1][2]
- Rent reduction
- Increased maintenance
| 1936–1937 Gothenburg rent strike | |||
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| Location | Gothenburg, Sweden | ||
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Strike
Claes Bergqvist was chairman of the local tenants union (Swedish: Hyresgästernas centralförsamling) at the time of the strike.[3]
Negotiations between the property owner's association (Swedish: Fastighetsägarnas garantiförening) and the tenants union ended without resolution on 21 October 1936.[4] A government-appointed mediation commission was created.[5]
By 20 November, evictions were planned or underway in Olskroken, Lunden, and Majorna.[6] At least 250 families were evicted during the course of the strike.[7]
In February 1937, the tenants assembly made commemorative stamps picturing the three oldest people evicted during the conflict.[8]
Aftermath
Impact
In Stad i förvandling (English: City in transformation), architectural history professor Boris Schönbeck wrote that the strike strengthened the position of tenant unions in post-war Sweden.[9][10]
Legacy
A street in Olskroken is named after Martin Andersson, a prominent tenants right activist involved in the strike.[7]
