Documents

This publication is intended as a tool for trade union clubs and elected representatives who want to work to reduce the climate impact of their workplace, secure jobs and strengthen their position in the labour market.

Workers in all countries have common interests. If we allow those in power to attack one country’s trade unions, then it can also happen in other countries. This is why we must work together, across national borders.

Since many decades LO and the LO affiliates are involved in trade union development cooperation to support our union friends in other countries. In this short report we tell you more about why we do this and how we do it.

The head of communications at the Venezuelan trade union ASI has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for conspiracy. LO has, together with the Olof Palmes International Center, written a letter of protest in which we call on Venezuela to respect fundamental human rights.

Over the years, LO and its affiliated unions have done what we could to support our trade union comrades in Iran, and our support continues, of course. You can read more about that work in this publication.

The ITUC (International Trade Union Confederation) and ITUC Africa called upon their member organisations to participate in the global day of action on 12 April 2023, in solidarity with our trade union sisters and brothers in Eswatini. LO Sweden sent a letter of protest to the Eswatini government.

LO, TCO and Saco have been following with deep concern the situation of violence and state repression in Peru, following the ousting of its constitutional president, Pedro Castillo.

This winter the members of LO trade unions will have to count every penny. For many, the money will not be enough. Not even for the necessities, such as food, rent and electricity. To prevent LO members from being hungry, being cold or being evicted this winter, LO calls for effective and rapid action by the Government.

The presidents of the Swedish trade union movement, Susanna Gideonsson, Therese Svanström and Göran Arrius, sent a letter of protest to Ambassador of Belarus Dmitry Mironchik.

The Gaza Strip has been subject to an Israeli-Egyptian blockade since 2007. The result is that more than two million people live in what has been called the world’s largest outdoor prison.

The Swedish Trade Union Confederation is deeply concerned by the death of Mahsa Amini after she suffered injuries while in police custody. The Iranian regime must respect and ensure the fundamental rights of Iran’s citizens and that those who are under any form of detention are not subject to violence and mistreatment.

In a rapidly changing world facing major challenges, well-functioning cooperation in Europe becomes increasingly important. Globalisation, digitalisation and the climate crisis present the EU Member States with a number of challenges that we must work together to resolve. 

Trade unions around the world are appalled at the military coup in Myanmar. LO and our affiliated unions share concerns about this attack on democracy in Myanmar.  

Globalisation challenges and forces the modern trade union movement to work in new ways. The LO International Strategy 2021-25 describes these challenges and solutions to how LO and LO affiliates should form themselves to ensure safe and good working conditions in an increasingly internationalised world. The priorities of the strategy will guide LO and its affiliates in our daily international work. 

Together with TCO and Saco, LO has formulated a reply to the European Commission’s consultation “A renewed trade policy for a stronger Europe”. LO underlines the importance of trade that promotes fair and sustainable economy and that can be used as an instrument for reinforcing workers’ rights.  

LO calls on Belarusian authorities to stop violence against peaceful demonstrators. LO supports the demands of the people of Belarus, Belarusian independent trade unions and civil society.

The Swedish Trade Union Confederation (LO) representing 1.5 million members in Sweden strongly condemns the Hong Kong administration’s continuous trample on workers’ right to freedom of assembly in Hong Kong, including the arrest and prosecution of Lee Cheuk Yan, the General Secretary of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU). 

The Swedish Trade Union Confederation (LO) representing 1.5 million members condemns the arrests of Lee Cheuk Yan, General Secretary of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU) and two other democrats, Yeung Sum and Jimmy Lai. Lee, Yeung and Lai face charges of “unlawful assembly” for their participation in the public rally on 31 August 2019 to oppose the extradition bill amendment. 

The Swedish collective agreement model is based on the regulation of wages and conditions in agreements between trade union and employer organisations. While combining security and sound conditions, the model also creates growth and prosperity. However, our model is influenced by the rest of the world, including the EU. The Central trade union confederations in Sweden have a positive approach to the EU and are convinced that European cooperation can contribute to sustainable growth and employment. On the other hand, fundamental trade union rights must be guaranteed and our labour market model safeguarded. This publication provides basic information about the Swedish collective agreement model and highlights some aspects of importance in relation to the EU.