Wednesday, May 20, 2009

The Scania Man

Dressed For Summer

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.

10 comments:

VP said...

Interesting persona, very good post and quite funny portrait.

B SQUARED said...

Looks like the recession is effecting everyone.

AB said...

No PC, no mobile phone! I will have to revise my image of Sweden.

Another fine portrait.

Lois said...

The pay cuts and furloughs are happening here too. I guess it's better than having no job at all.

lemon said...

I 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.
In 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!

Mo said...

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

Lowell said...

Looks like he's in pretty good shape-probably because of all the bike riding. Nice portrait.

Clueless in Boston said...

Very nice bio. Your people shots are wonderful and I'm still trying to follow in your footsteps:)

Leeds daily photo said...

Much better to have a job and a little less money than the alternative.
Scania make fine trucks.

Daniel Chérouvrier said...

Fine man.
Let us hope that the workers will not be fired some months after they accept to get lower wages as it begins to be common.