Labor Market Parties

In the Swedish labor market, we have a unique way of agreeing on the rules that should apply in working life. It is a fundamental part of the Swedish model where the labor market parties, i.e., employer and employee organizations, play a crucial role in regulating wages and other conditions.

Here we explain how the labor market parties are connected.

Trade Unions

Trade unions exist on three levels: central, regional, and in clubs at individual workplaces.

Trade unions can be members of one of the central organizations:

LO: 14 trade unions with 1.2 million members

TCO: 12 trade unions with 1 million members

Saco: 22 trade unions with 700,000 members

There are also several trade union organizations outside the central organizations, such as Ledarna, the Swedish Pilot Association, and the Swedish Dockworkers' Union.

Employer Organizations

Employer organizations are generally found at the central and regional levels.

Confederation of Swedish Enterprise: 34 employer organizations in the private sector with 60,000 companies and 1.8 million employees.

Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SKR): 290 municipalities and 20 regions with 1.2 million employees.

Swedish Agency for Government Employers: 250 state authorities and business agencies with 270,000 employees.

In addition to the above, there are several employer organizations that are not part of any of the organizations, but are completely independent, such as Arbetsgivaralliansen, Fastigo, the Swedish Church's employer organization, and the Banks' employer organization.

This is why Arbetsgivaralliansen has the opportunity to sign collective agreements that are as industry-specific as possible, so they fit the different needs and operations of our members.