Sweden: since temporary work is progressing, unions and temporary agencies are looking for ways to work together

A development which might frighten unions.  Over the last 2010 quarter, temporary work agencies’ sales had increased by 42%, reaching, for the first time, SEK 5bn (€560M) and there should be another record for the first 2011 quarter.  This increase can be explained by the development of the service industry which accounts for about 2/3rds of assignments and by businesses’ choice, following the economic crisis, to appeal to temporary staff rather than to recruit.  “Traditional” unions are worried about the development of a sector where most temporary workers aren’t covered by monthly pay or even wage guarantees when they are not on assignment, and where 30% of them don’t attend training during the year.
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itional” unions are worried about the development of a sector where most temporary workers aren’t covered by monthly pay or even wage guarantees when they are not on assignment, and where 30% of them don’t attend training during the year.

Cooperation work. The different unions are therefore thinking about ways of working and influencing the sector. This is how 3 unions in the Mälardalen area (If Metall – metalworkers’ union, Handels – union of trade employees, and Transport – union of transpor

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