The Social Democrats’ working group wants to introduce a statutory 35-hour week by 2035. But IF Metall stands firm.
– The terms must be handled by the parties, not by the politicians, says Simon Petersson, deputy agreement secretary.
Shortening of working hours is again on the agenda. Last spring, the Social Democrats opened up to scrapping the 40-hour week, and now the party’s working group is moving forward with a concrete proposal: A statutory 35-hour work week that will be gradually introduced until 2035.
– It is the freedom reform of the century, said Annika Strandhäll (S), who has led the working group, during a press conference on Friday.
She recalled the reform in 1973, when Sweden last legislated on shortened working hours, to today’s 40 hours.
– It has been 50 years since we implemented this type of change. It’s that time again, she said.
Annika Strandhäll (S). Photo: TT.
“Don’t we like”
The idea of statutory working hours is controversial, not least on the employer side. The Swedish Chamber of Commerce calls the proposal “irresponsible” and has previously warned against it “devastating consequences” for the Swedish economy.
Nor does IF Metall take kindly to the idea.
– It is no secret that we think the parties should deal with these issues in negotiations. This will be a type of interference that can affect our opportunities for salary increases. We don’t like that, says Simon Petersson, deputy agreement secretary at IF Metall.
He emphasizes that for several decades the parties have introduced reductions in working hours in industry without the help of legislation.
– We have nothing against shortening working hours, on the contrary, it is a high and prioritized goal for IF Metall. But the conditions must be managed by the parties, not by politicians.
GS union chairman Per-Olof Sjöö is part of the working group that presented the proposal. Photo: David Lundmark.
Clear only in 11 years
Per-Olof Sjöö is chairman of the GS union and one of three members of the working group that submitted the proposal. He does not see the conflict as clearly.
– I am also concerned that we treat as much as possible within the framework of our collective agreements. But we cannot sit back and watch when large groups in the labor market are not allowed to enjoy what others have negotiated. You have to be able to have two thoughts in your head at the same time, he says.
The fact that the reform is only supposed to be realized in 11 years is due, among other things, to the desire to protect real wage increases, says Per-Olof Sjöö.
– We need to have increasing wages and a competitive industry. Therefore, it is important that you don’t rush off and do something that you have no control over, but take it step by step, he says and adds:
– We are making a proposal that I think is completely realistic and excellent.
IF Metall’s contract secretary Simon Petersson. Photo: Amanda Lindholm.
IF Metall: Gets a worse negotiating position
During Friday’s press conference, Annika Strandhäll (S) raised examples from other countries in Europe where laws on shortening working hours have been introduced without harming the pace of production – and thus wages.
Simon Petersson is doubtful.
– It is easy to say that it does not cost money. At the same time, we have employers who have a completely different opinion. I am convinced that if you reduce the shift from 8 to 6.5 hours, production will be less. Then the employer thinks it costs money and it will backfire on us in salary negotiations.
After all, LO opened up for statutory shortening of working hours during the last congress. Why doesn’t IF Metall hook up?
– We will of course look at this and participate in the discussions about the way forward in LO. But we think it is always better to own the issue ourselves, rather than put it in the hands of the politicians.
FAKTA’s proposal for a 35-hour week
According to the proposal, which is now submitted to the party, the 35-hour work week must be fully implemented by the year 2035.
Before the reform is implemented, 5,000 people in the public sector must participate in a research project where they will reduce their working hours while maintaining their salary for a year.
Cost: About 500 million per year
Source: The Social Democrats’ working group for “a sustainable and developing working life for all”.
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PODD: Short working hours back in the limelight – will we ever get four-day weeks?
Shortening working hours is again on the agenda and now the LO unions will have their say at the congress. Will the 40-hour week disappear? Municipal wants to legislate, while IF Metall wants to go the contractual route. Dagens Arbetes Marie Edholm and Janna Ayres have dug into the once again topical working time issue.
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