Sweden: IF Metall signs highly disputed agreement on apprenticeship and occupational integration

An agreement accused of wage dumping. Pointing to the fact that Sweden has the highest youth unemployment rate in the Nordic countries, IF Metall signed an agreement aiming to facilitate young people’s entry into the professional world. The union worked on the assumption that the number of retirements was going to increase and that industrial firms are going to face a shortage in skilled workers within the next couple years. Thus, the agreement allows hiring a young person under 25 years of age with a one-year contract for a salary amounting to 75% of the sector’s minimum wage. At first, hiring will have to be subject to a local agreement between the employer and unions, who will negotiate the duration of the contract and training required to perform a specific job, so the integration really means something.  Thus, the young employee will receive an individual training program and support from a tutor. They will also receive holiday and overtime pay and can then join the unemployment insurance fund.  If employers fail their training obligation, they will have to pay damages.  At the end of this experience, the young worker will leave the company with a certificate detailing their path, training attended and positions filled.
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oung person under 25 years of age with a one-year contract for a salary amounting to 75% of the sector’s minimum wage. At first, hiring will have to be subject to a local agreement between the employer and unions, who will negotiate the duration of the contract and training required to perform a specific job, so the integration really means something. Thus, the young employee will receive an individual training program and support from a tutor. They will also receive holiday and overtime pay a

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