Why do people keep going on about collective agreements? Does it really matter if you have a good employer and are happy with your salary? Yes – because all those great benefits only apply for as long as your employer feels like offering them. Here’s how a collective agreement actually secures your working conditions.
Publicerad 14 maj 2024
Why are unions so persistent about collective agreements? How would it improve things for me? If I already work for a generous company, why should I want a collective agreement?
– Because working conditions that aren’t protected by a collective agreement are just a snapshot in time. Right now, you might be getting great benefits, but there’s no guarantee you’ll have them next week. Without a collective agreement, employers can withdraw benefits with a simple email, without any obligation to negotiate with employees first. Employees at companies without collective agreements are much more exposed to their employer’s current mood and the day-to-day situation, says Martin Wästfelt, Head of Negotiations at Unionen.
Wästfelt emphasizes that we are all different, and that should be respected.
– The less you value stability and security, the less you might care about having a collective agreement. The more these things matter to you, the more important the agreement becomes.
Right now, you may have great benefits, but there’s no guarantee they’ll still be there next week.
He notes that when you scratch the surface at some of the more high-profile tech companies, you’ll find that not all employees actually have such advantageous contracts.
– We want everyone, even those who aren’t skilled negotiators, to have fair working conditions. With a collective agreement, employees also get greater influence. Without it, employers can implement major changes without informing the staff in advance.
But what if I’m a brilliant negotiator and believe I can secure even better terms than you, for example – then maybe I don’t want a collective agreement…
– A collective agreement doesn’t limit you. It sets a minimum level, not a maximum one. You’re always free to negotiate better terms for yourself.
But why should all companies have a collective agreement? Isn’t it good to have diversity and different models in Sweden?
– Innovative companies exploring new ideas, business models and technologies are great and something we strongly encourage. Collective agreements actually support flexibility and adaptability. If fewer employers had collective agreements, more things would need to be regulated by law – and that would reduce flexibility. So in reality, more companies should see the advantages of joining our model.
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Under konflikten har Unionen stöttat IF Metalls kamp för kollektivavtal på Tesla genom sympatiåtgärder. Ett antal arbetsplatser som på olika sätt utför uppdrag åt Tesla har tagits ut i sympatistrejk för att öka trycket på företaget att teckna kollektivavtal .
IF Metalls primärkonflikt med Tesla upphör den 19 augusti kl. 00.01. Vid samma dag och tid upphör också Unionens sympatiåtgärder.
– Vi är stolta över det stöd, den solidaritet och det engagemang som Unionens medlemmar och förtroendevalda har visat under den här konflikten. Den har ytterst handlat om rätten att organisera sig och om kollektivavtalens roll som grund för en väl fungerande svensk arbetsmarknad. Att konflikten avslutas utan kollektivavtal på Tesla är en besvikelse, men det förändrar inte vår övertygelse. Konflikten är avslutad, men principerna om föreningsfrihet, kollektivavtal och den svenska modellen består och kommer fortsatt att vara värda att försvara, säger Martin Wästfelt, Unionens förhandlingschef.
