medbestämmande

Medbestämmande, often translated as codetermination or co-determination, is a concept originating in Swedish labor law that grants employees significant influence over their workplaces. At its core, medbestämmande emphasizes the right of employees, typically through their trade unions, to participate in decision-making processes that affect their employment and working conditions. This influence extends to various areas, including organizational changes, personnel matters, and the implementation of new technologies.

The legal framework for medbestämmande is primarily established by the Swedish Act on Codetermination (Medbestämmandelagen). This act outlines the employer's obligation to negotiate with employee representatives before making decisions on significant issues. In cases of major changes, the employer must initiate negotiations and provide information to the union, which then has the right to demand negotiations. If an agreement cannot be reached, the union may have the right to industrial action to assert its position.

The principle of medbestämmande is rooted in the idea of a more democratic workplace where employees have a voice. It aims to create a balance of power between employers and employees, fostering a collaborative environment and potentially leading to better-informed decisions and improved working conditions. While the specific implementation and extent of medbestämmande can vary, its fundamental principle of shared influence remains a key feature of the Swedish labor market model.