Sweden Developments in Working Life 2024

This working paper discusses the developments in working life in Sweden for the year 2024. It outlines the political context, economic challenges, and changes in industrial relations, particularly focusing on collective bargaining agreements. The year is characterized as an 'in-between' year, with 56 out of approximately 650 collective agreements negotiated, affecting over a million employees. The paper details the economic backdrop, including a recession, high unemployment rates, and the gradual reduction of interest rates by the Riksbank. It also describes the political landscape, highlighting the right-wing government coalition's focus on labor market policies and the challenges posed by inflation and unemployment. The document presents information on new employer organizations, mergers of trade unions, and the negotiation strategies of various labor groups, emphasizing the evolving dynamics of collective bargaining in the context of economic pressures and social dialogue.