New Industry Agreements Finalized
From now on, all collective agreements within the industry include provisions for working time reduction, and existing time banks have been expanded to allow for further reductions of working hours.
"This is one of the highest outcomes in the history of the Industry Agreement. We have agreed on increases of over three percent in both years. If Sweden is to have world-leading companies, we must ensure that world-leading engineering expertise remains in the country," says Ulrika Lindstrand, chairman of Engineers of Sweden.
The new wage benchmark, which serves as a guideline for salary increases across the Swedish labor market, is 6.4 percent over two years. The agreements provide a strong foundation for real wage increases while maintaining a level that supports both the Swedish labor market and the country’s global competitiveness.
A key demand from Engineers of Sweden was to introduce working time reduction in agreements where it was missing and to expand it where it already existed. Both demands were met.
"This is an important achievement that gives our members a better work-life balance”, Ulrika Lindstrand added.
Engineers of Sweden strongly believes that working hours should be regulated through collective bargaining agreements, as the negotiated structures have proven to work well for both employers and employees.
The new agreements will be in effect from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2027. The agreements provide a 3.4 percent increase from April 1, 2025, and a 3.0 percent increase from April 1, 2026.
"Now, salary discussions will take place at all workplaces covered by collective bargaining agreements, as annual salary reviews are a negotiated right. We hope for successful local negotiations that reflect the crucial role our engineering members play in companies’ production, innovation, and profitability", Chief Negotiator at Engineers of Sweden, Camilla Frankelius, added.
