Industrial action is the primary weapon that employers and trade unions can use in a conflict where they cannot reach an agreement. The use of industrial action has varied over the years and differs between industries. In this article, we will go through how the right to industrial action is limited in certain industries and sectors.
There are no restrictions on which professional groups can go on strike or engage in other industrial actions. However, in some cases, a strike can become a threat to society and therefore not allowed. This primarily applies to certain industries or areas, such as healthcare or emergency services. If they do not go to work or do not perform all their tasks, it could have significant consequences for society as they have an essential function. The question of whether the strike can be deemed a threat to society is primarily discussed between the trade union and the employer, but if they cannot agree, the matter can be referred to a central board that will make the decision. For a strike to be considered a threat to society, it must unduly disrupt important societal functions or pose a danger to people's lives or the risk of permanent health problems. If the board determines that the strike is a threat to society, it cannot be carried out.
In addition to the limitation regarding a strike that may endanger society, public sector employees have certain restrictions on their right to take industrial action. According to the Public Employment Act (1994:260), only certain industrial actions are allowed: lockouts, strikes, refusal of overtime work, or new employment blockades. In other respects, the public sector can take industrial action in the same way as other sectors.
Despite the right to strike or take other industrial actions, Sweden has fewer widespread strikes compared to other Nordic countries. The Mediation Institute keeps statistics on lost workdays due to industrial actions, and Sweden has fewer days than many other countries. It varies from year to year and depends on the collective bargaining process, and some years stand out. In 2012, there were approximately 37,000 lost workdays, while in 2021, there were only 11.
