Workers, a number on a two-hour leave from their shift and wearing worksuits, led the march, carrying banners demanding "Jobs must stay in Degerfors," "Let Degerfors Live," and "Open the Books." Many workers and townspeople were pleased with the size of the march, the biggest in many years in Sweden.

Peter Lundin, in his worksuit, was in a fighting mood. "We will not lie down and die. Here we have always fought back. But over the last few days I have asked myself a question: 'How does a capitalist think? How do they think?'"

The Metalworkers Union is contesting the company's motives for closing the mill, arguing that production is profitable. The central demand from the union has been that the company open the books.

The march and rally was organized by the community council, the local social-democratic party organization, the unions at the mill, and a church. Flyers for the event were posted all over the town center, on store windows and office doors, and in restaurants.

Steel production started in Degerfors in 1660. In addition to the 330 jobs lost at the steel mill, at least 150 more will be cut with the elimination of subcontractors. In all, jobs of some 13 percent of the total number of people employed in the community will be eliminated. The union estimates that a similar layoff in Stockholm would affect 6,700 people.

Workers at Smidesbolaget, which subcontracts welding for Stainless, participated in the march and rally. They now expect cutbacks in their workplace, too. "I hope this mobilization helps. But I doubt it," said one. "It's already been decided, they won't change their decision. And it's not just here. It's happening all over the country."

There has been a sharp rise in layoffs throughout Sweden this year. In August, companies laid off more than 6,000 workers, the highest figure since August 1992. Usually the least number of layoffs occur in August. So far this year more that 30,000 people have had their jobs eliminated. The single biggest layoffs have occurred at the electronic and mobile phone manufacturer Ericsson, with 3,200 dismissed, and Flextronics, another electronics company, which has cut 1,400 jobs. The rest are smaller in number, but very significant when they happen in smaller towns with few workplaces. The job cuts are spread throughout the entire country and among many different kinds of production.

Birgitta Isacsson is a member of the Metalworkers Union in Södertälje. Anita Östling is a member of the Transport Workers Union in Stockholm.  
 
 
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