The trade unions' notice of dispute came on Friday evening after the parties failed to agree on a new collective agreement.
We have really made an effort and done everything we can. A notice of dispute is not taken lightly, says Ulrika Hyllert, chairperson of the Journalists' Union.
My hope is that we will come to an agreement through mediation before the conflict breaks out.
According to Ulrika Hyllert, between 300 and 400 members are affected by the notice of dispute at SVT in Stockholm.
Employees required for several news programs are exempt, including Rapport and Aktuellt.
The major conflict issue in the negotiations is the question of reduced working hours, where the unions have not been able to agree with the employer party, Medieföretagen within Almega.
"Almega has rejected our members' crucial demands. The Union always wants to resolve issues at the negotiating table, but in this situation, we unfortunately see no other option than to issue a notice of dispute", says Martin Wästfelt, chief negotiator for the Union.
Employers: "Ultimative demands"
The SJF and Union's notice of dispute will take effect on April 25 at 5 am if the parties do not come to an agreement before then.
Medieföretagen's federation director Maria Möller describes the notice of dispute as the unions "wanting to shut the door and issue a notice of dispute without attempting to find a solution".
I would say that we are not very far apart and it is therefore extra surprising and irresponsible, I think. We have a situation where we are willing to sign an agreement on the industry's mark with 6.4 percent over two years. But then the unions have relatively ultimative demands regarding reduced working hours and handling of overtime, says Möller.
"Very optimistic"
How optimistic are you about finding a solution before the conflict breaks out?
I am very optimistic. I think it would be very irresponsible to let this break out. There is no reason whatsoever, in my opinion, says Möller.
Friday's notice of dispute means that the Union has issued a notice of dispute in five collective agreement areas. A total of around 5,000 are affected by the five notices of dispute.
