The social partners – providers to the system
In Sweden, government employee wages were once set by the political system. Pay scales and pay grades were closely connected to complex ranking systems of all government positions at this time.
Change was necessary
The Minister of the Interior had informal meetings with the unions, but in practice, government employee wages were unilaterally decided by the ministry in charge.
Read moreThe role of social partners
By tradition, the social partners in the Swedish labour market are relatively pragmatic and cooperate fairly well. The problems with the former arrangement for negotiations were well recognised by both the unions and the employers.
Read moreThe scope for social dialogue
The Employment (Co-Determination in the Workplace) Act gives social partners across the Swedish labour market the right to negotiate and conclude agreements on wages and other working conditions.
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