The Social Partners’ Council

Binding agreements with legal status

tisdag 17 mars 2015

Sweden has rather comprehensive labour legislation that applies across the labour market, including the central government administration. Many of these laws are discretionary and may, by agreements between social partners, be adapted and changed to fit a labour market sector and even the needs of a single organisation. However, the minimum legal standards may not be lowered.

In addition to wages, the social partners may agree on working conditions, pensions, transition and job security, forms of cooperation, etc. When an agreement is concluded, it is valid and shall come into effect. Any disputes about agreements that cannot be resolved between the social partners may be settled by the Swedish Labour Court (Arbetsdomstolen).