11 January, 2012At the end of December 170 IF Metall union reps from working sites across Sweden agreed to a new 14 month contract with employers' associations, starting February 1, 2012, and running up to March 31, 2013. Salaries will be increased by 3 per cent.
SWEDEN: Similar agreements were approved by Swedish unions IF Metall, Pappers, Unionen, the wood- and graphics workers' union GS, and Livs, the Swedish Food Workers' Union. In total, 540.000 industrial workers are covered by the new agreements, which are normative for the rest of the economy.
Average monthly salaries are approximately 24 300 sek (2.700 Euro) in IF Metall's biggest agreement areas, and the hike represents 730 sek (83 Euro). Also bonuses for unsocial hours and shift work are increased with 3 per cent.
IF Metall President Stefan Löfven said the agreements "provide for real wage increases in 2012 and maintain the competiveness of Swedish industry - and job security." In IF Metall, the agreements concern 171 000 members in technology, steel, mining and chemistry.
The union and the employers will continue to negotiate about a system to retain jobs and invest in education during recessions. The work is near completion, and there have been contacts with the government. The aim is a final proposal at the end of February.
The parties will also continue negotiations on systematic work adaptation and rehabilitation.
Furthermore, the Swedish Trade Union Confederation LO and the employers' association Svenskt Näringsliv have agreed on pension improvements.
Average monthly salaries are approximately 24 300 sek (2.700 Euro) in IF Metall's biggest agreement areas, and the hike represents 730 sek (83 Euro). Also bonuses for unsocial hours and shift work are increased with 3 per cent.
IF Metall President Stefan Löfven said the agreements "provide for real wage increases in 2012 and maintain the competiveness of Swedish industry - and job security." In IF Metall, the agreements concern 171 000 members in technology, steel, mining and chemistry.
The union and the employers will continue to negotiate about a system to retain jobs and invest in education during recessions. The work is near completion, and there have been contacts with the government. The aim is a final proposal at the end of February.
The parties will also continue negotiations on systematic work adaptation and rehabilitation.
Furthermore, the Swedish Trade Union Confederation LO and the employers' association Svenskt Näringsliv have agreed on pension improvements.