In the most recent round of negotiations, the unions demanded 4.2 percent, a demand that ultimately resulted in a wage increase of 6.4 percent over two years.
Union chairman Peter Hellberg does not think that we should turn a blind eye to the fact that the figure this time is slightly lower than last time.
“The important thing is that we are in the same range as we have been in recent times,” he tells TT.
The employers' organizations have pointed to intensifying competition from China and have therefore demanded that wage increases in Sweden be reduced.
“Of course, the Chinese are advancing faster and faster, and the unions see that too.”
“But we still do not see them in the top 15 when it comes to the most important competitor countries,” says IF Metall chairman Marie Nilsson.
"Will succeed"
The unions' wage demands also include requests for shorter working hours, which should be deducted from the total wage demand.
“The working hours issue will always be a sensitive issue. Employers want as much time worked as possible, while our members see this as the most important issue,” says Hellberg.
As usual, the unions expect tough negotiations ahead.
“I am confident that we will succeed in signing an agreement. There is nothing else on the agenda. We have that task and we will set a mark for the rest of Sweden's employees,” says Marie Nilsson of IF Metall.
"Wrong way to go"
Employers, for their part, consider the unions' demands far too high. The technology companies consider the figure worrying. Industrial employers describe the demand as being at a “challenging level”.
“That would mean significant cost increases,” Per Widolf, the Industrial Employers' negotiating manager, tells TT.
On the issue of reduced working hours, Widolf says this is completely the wrong way to go. According to him, the international competitiveness of Swedish industry is at the heart of the so-called Industrial Agreement.
“Shortening working hours is in itself a growth inhibitor,” he says.
The current agreement expires on the last day of March next year.
According to the Swedish National Mediation Office, more than 500 wage agreements are to be negotiated in the upcoming bargaining round, affecting more than 3.4 million employees - just over two-thirds in the private sector and the rest in the public sector.
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