Trade unions in Sweden

When you work in Sweden, you may consider joining a Swedish trade union. Membership of a trade union is voluntary. However, if you are a member, you can get extra help and support if you have any questions about salary, employment terms, and much more in Sweden.

What is a trade union?

A trade union is type of club that works to improve working conditions for people who have a job, regardless of whether they are an employee or self-employed. The trade unions in Sweden want all workplaces in the country to be covered by collective bargaining agreements, and have good working conditions and the best terms for the employees.

How can a Swedish trade union help you?

When you are a member of a Swedish trade union, you can get help and support in relation to your salary, employment terms, and opportunities for in-service training in Sweden. You can also get legal advice and information about guidelines concerning work environment.

How does it work if you live abroad and work in Sweden?

If you choose to join a trade union, you should generally choose one from the country in which you work, even if you do not necessarily live there. If you work in Sweden and want to join a trade union, you should therefore register with a Swedish trade union. The Swedish trade unions have good knowledge about the work environment in Sweden, and can give you the best advice about working conditions in the country.

If you start to work in Sweden and choose to retain your membership of a trade union in your home country, your trade union in your home country cannot influence your salary and working conditions in Sweden. However, some trade unions in the Nordic countries have collaboration agreements, so check with your union to see whether they collaborate with a Swedish trade union.

How much does it cost to be a member of a Swedish trade union?

The price of membership in a Swedish trade union varies. Some Swedish trade unions also offer insurances and similar benefits that may be of interest to you.

Three large central trade union organisations in Sweden

In Sweden, there are three large central organisations for trade unions: The Swedish Trade Union Confederation (LO), The Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees (TCO), and The Swedish Confederation of Professional Associations (SACO). These organisations are responsible for negotiating collective bargaining agreements and for setting salaries and working conditions in various job categories.

• The Swedish Trade Union Confederation (Landsorganisationen i Sverige, LO) organises professionals in the public and private sectors, special employees, and employees such as auxiliary nurses, car mechanics, restaurant workers, teachers, and factory workers.
• The Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees (TCO) organises officials and professionals in the public and private sectors, such as engineers, nurses, journalists, teachers, police officers, and accountants.
• The Swedish Confederation of Professional Associations (Sveriges Akademikers Centralorganisation, SACO) organises academics in the public and private sectors, such as financial professionals, lawyers, physiotherapists, and teachers.

You can find the right trade union for your profession in one of these central organisations.