Sweden has one of the highest union densities in the world, with about 70% of the workforce belonging to a union. There is no statutory minimum wage in Sweden because collective agreements made between the partners on the labour market (employer organisations and trade unions) are used to regulate pay. The unemployment funds are sector-based. So I belong to the teachers’ union and the teachers’ unemployment fund. I don’t have to belong to a union but I do because they negotiate my salary, pension, extra holiday (such as the day before a holiday or Christmas Eve), days off if you move house or celebrate a ‘big’ birthday. I also have an income guarantee if I lose my job.
As part of my membership I receive two magazines a month and an annual physical calendar. Many employers have stopped providing paper calendars to their staff so this is a nice bonus. I use my Filofax as my daily carry, but all intensive courses, course plans and advance preparation goes into my union calendar.
This is what it looks like for the upcoming calendar year.
Another reason to love Sweden.