This paper aims to give a flavour of the latest developments across Europe and inform policy makers of topical issues. It will present measures taken in response to the recession (both employment market measures and financial stimulus packages), outline the extent of social partner involvement, and
This report uses research findings from the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound) to outline important features of the Swedish labour market in general, and the industrial relations system in particular, as well as the issues both are currently facing.
Sweden has a tradition of high trade union density rates, but the share of Swedish workers who are members of a trade union has dropped in the last decade from 80% to 70%. This might seem high from a global perspective, but Sweden is also one of the countries where unionisation is declining most
The three peak-level Swedish trade union organisations have together launched Union to Union, an overseas aid organisation dedicated to cooperating with and supporting trade union organisations globally.
Employer and worker representatives have expressed concern that Finnish government plans to cut subsidies for the rehabilitation of people back into working life will result in greater expense in sickness absence and disability pensions.
A proposal from the Confederation of Finnish Industries argues for 100 additional annual working hours per employee, to boost productivity and competitiveness. Trade unions have strongly criticised the proposal.
There has been heated debate in the transport sector regarding the common market's impact on Swedish wages and working conditions. A new law tries to deal with some of the most obvious violations of the rules.