Sweden : positive outcome on collective agreements in industry

Ten years after the signing of the first collective agreement in Swedish industry, the negotiation concluded on March 16 for regulating the sector over the 3 years ahead concerns for the time being only 450,000 of the 700,000 strong workforce in this industrial area. Negotiations are still on the way in several branches not included in the agreement, for instance the paper industry. However, other sectors are going to take their cue from this agreement which will serve as a benchmark particularly in respect of its 10,2% wage hike forecast over 3 years.
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ce in this industrial area. Negotiations are still on the way in several branches not included in the agreement, for instance the paper industry. However, other sectors are going to take their cue from this agreement which will serve as a benchmark particularly in respect of its 10,2% wage hike forecast over 3 years.

A compromise. On both sides, the social partners moved forward to reach this compromise. Some employers in the technical industries were prepared to accept only 6% over 3 years, ie

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