Daily photos, portraits, and stories from Haninge, Stockholm and Södertörn in Sweden.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
The Scania Man
This is Mihály ( a Hungarian name). While still on the bike I commented on his summer outfit, asking him if it wasnt cold, but he said "not if you are warm on the inside". A few kilometres later I noticed him behind me and decided to wave him down for a chat and a photo. He had been on the bike for a while already as he came all the way from Södertälje which is a 30 km ride away. He was heading for the Medieval church in Västerhaninge where his parents rest at the burial ground. Mihali works at Scania in Södertälje (where Peter took a photo last week). He has been employed there since 1975. Now they will have to take a ten percent pay cut and a four day work week from June because of the recession. He is married and has kids and grand kids. He doesn't own a computer or a mobile phone ( but the wife had a PC, so he was going to check out my photos with her help). He knew a lot about Tungelsta, which we talked a little about. The reason for that is that he used to live there for nearly twenty years. So we have been students at the same school, although Mihali was there a few years before I was born.
Interesting persona, very good post and quite funny portrait.
ReplyDeleteLooks like the recession is effecting everyone.
ReplyDeleteNo PC, no mobile phone! I will have to revise my image of Sweden.
ReplyDeleteAnother fine portrait.
The pay cuts and furloughs are happening here too. I guess it's better than having no job at all.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Lois, it's better than having no job at all. But I am afraid that does not happen here, a lot of people I know have lost their jobs.
ReplyDeleteIn one case, he is asked to work for 15 days and then stay home for the other 15, so he is paid for half a month...
I like so much those portraits of yours, I follow them even though I do not comment. Keep on!
I love your people shots. The way you engage with them comes out in the photo. You clearly have a talent for this genre of picture
ReplyDeleteLooks like he's in pretty good shape-probably because of all the bike riding. Nice portrait.
ReplyDeleteVery nice bio. Your people shots are wonderful and I'm still trying to follow in your footsteps:)
ReplyDeleteMuch better to have a job and a little less money than the alternative.
ReplyDeleteScania make fine trucks.
Fine man.
ReplyDeleteLet us hope that the workers will not be fired some months after they accept to get lower wages as it begins to be common.