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Trelleborg Substitute Worker Records Racist Language, Loses Shifts

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Key Points
  • A substitute worker in Trelleborg recorded a colleague using the N-word against her, leading to DO criticism of the municipality's investigation.
  • The worker has not been called to work since the incident, with app issues and no response, while the municipality says her substitute position expired.
  • Trelleborg municipality states it is focusing on strengthening work against discrimination, but details of actions taken are unclear.

Sara, whose real name is something else, worked her second summer as a substitute at the residence in summer 2025. According to Sara, she had previously noticed that employees at the workplace could express themselves in a racist manner. She stated, "It became more and more.

" Sara initially did not speak up because, as she said, "I knew I was the weakest. " When the colleague used the N-word directly aimed at Sara, she had enough and confronted her, demanding an apology. Sara recorded that conversation.

It became more and more. It was particularly one colleague who wanted to test me, it felt like.

Sara, Substitute worker

Trelleborg municipality later received criticism from the Discrimination Ombudsman for disregarding the recording in the investigation of the incident. In media reporting on DO's criticism, representatives of Trelleborg municipality have expressed that they are working to create a safe work environment. " In 2026, Trelleborg municipality has a particular focus on strengthening work against discriminatory treatment.

However, Sara has not been called in to work since the incident. The app where substitutes indicate when they can work has not functioned for Sara, and she has not received a response when contacting Trelleborg municipality about this, though she still has a substitute contract. " Fredrik Winell responded, "It is nothing I recognize or can comment on.

I knew I was the weakest. If I reacted, I thought it would be used against me.

Sara, Substitute worker

" The identity and current status of the colleague who used the N-word remains unknown, as do the specific actions Trelleborg municipality has taken to address the incident.

I confronted her and wanted her to apologize.

Sara, Substitute worker

I feel doubly punished.

Sara, Substitute worker

It is nothing I recognize or can comment on. What I know is that the employee had a substitute position that expired and the employee is welcome to apply for jobs with us again.

Fredrik Winell, Department head for functional support in Trelleborg municipality

It is completely terrible and wholly unacceptable with us.

Fredrik Winell, Department head for functional support in Trelleborg municipality
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Corroborated
SVT Skåne
1 publications · 1 official
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