Trade union membership in Sweden

What do Swedish trade unions do?

A Swedish trade union is an organisation that represents employees within a specific profession, industry or workplace.

Trade unions protect the interests of employees in relation to employers. They negotiate salaries and employment terms and can support members in matters related to working conditions, workplace health and safety and employment rights.

Members can also receive legal advice and support in disputes with an employer. In some cases, trade unions negotiate group insurance and other member benefits.

Typical trade union activities include:

• collective bargaining
• negotiating employee benefits
• supporting members in workplace disputes
• political advocacy on labour market issues
• organising industrial action, such as strikes

Why join a trade union in Sweden?

Whether you choose to join a trade union in Sweden is entirely optional. However, membership can be beneficial if you want support with matters such as salary payments, employment contracts, working conditions and workplace health and safety. Trade unions exist to protect the interests of their members.

At most Swedish workplaces, there is typically a trade union club, fackklubb, or a shop steward who represents union members. In many workplaces, several unions represent different groups of employees.

Membership fees

Trade union members pay a monthly membership fee. Fees vary between trade unions and are often based on your income. Contact the relevant trade union for information about prices and membership terms.

Read more about Swedish trade unions at the website of The Swedish Trade Union Confederation, LO.

Explore trade unions at lo.se

Trade union membership for cross-border commuters

As a general rule, you should join a trade union in the country where you work, regardless of where you live.

If you are already a member of a Danish trade union, you can usually keep your membership after starting work in Sweden. However, a Danish trade union cannot negotiate salaries or working conditions at a Swedish workplace and cannot assist with legal matters in Sweden. A Swedish trade union will also have better knowledge of Swedish employment law and labour market conditions.

At the same time, you may be able to keep insurance policies and other benefits linked to your Danish trade union membership, even if you start working in Sweden. Contact your Danish trade union for more information.

Some trade unions have Nordic cooperation agreements and can offer guest membership arrangements. Contact your trade union to learn more.