Licentiatavhandling Växjö : Växjö universitet, 2008.

Christian Storjohann, a leading figure in the Swedish paper and pulp industry during the early 20th century, was at the heart of significant labor conflicts at Billerud AB in 1928 and 1932. These conflicts reflect not only the industrial and social tensions of the time but also an evolution in views on labor relations and conflict resolution. This work aims to explore the changes in Storjohann's actions and attitudes between these conflicts to understand the broader changes in labor market dynamics during the period. Both in light of individual actors' decisions and the broader societal and economic changes. Storjohann's case illustrates how external events like the Ådalen shootings and internal dynamics within organizations like SAF can lead to significant strategy shifts for individual actors. It also highlights the importance of economic circumstances, where Billerud's specific situation with the transition to artificial silk pulp production both enabled and motivated a different strategy than what had previously been applied. The analysis of the material also emphasizes how media and public discourse can influence and shape actors' perceptions and strategies. Storjohann's actions and rhetoric cannot be seen in isolation from the political and social climate of the time, where fear of communism and a quest for industrial peace were central themes. This reminds us of the importance of considering, in the analysis of social movements, not just the internal dynamics of the involved actors but also how external factors like media reporting and broader political currents affect their scope for action and strategic choices. Applying Charles Tilly's theory to Storjohann's actions and the broader industrial relations in Sweden during the early 20th century offers a nuanced understanding of how labor market actors navigate a complex landscape of interests, values, and power structures. It highlights how historical cases of labor market conflicts can provide insights for contemporary issues around labor relations, negotiation tactics, and conflict resolution. My research thus contributes to a deeper understanding of the long-term processes behind the development of the labor market and the strategies that actors use to navigate this development.