Avtalssektorn

Avtalssektorn refers to the part of the Swedish labor market where collective agreements are the primary mechanism for setting terms and conditions of employment. This sector encompasses a significant portion of the workforce, where wages, working hours, benefits, and other employment-related matters are negotiated between employers' organizations and trade unions. The agreements reached are legally binding and govern the relationship between employers and their employees within specific industries or occupational groups.

The principle of self-determination, known as "självreglering," is central to the avtalssektorn. This means that the state generally refrains from intervening in wage setting or other contractual details, allowing the social partners to find solutions themselves. The system is built on a tradition of cooperation and negotiation, aiming to create stability and predictability in the labor market.

The outcome of negotiations in the avtalssektorn often influences the terms in non-organized workplaces as well, creating a ripple effect across the entire labor market. This phenomenon is often referred to as "utlöpningseffekt" or "allmänna löneavtal." The avtalssektorn plays a crucial role in shaping Sweden's unique labor market model, characterized by high union density and a strong emphasis on collective bargaining.