The Trade Union as a People ’s Movement

By Sven Nelander ,the Swedish Trade Union Confederation (LO),Wage and Welfare Policy Department

What exactly is a people 's movement and how can we describe the trade unions out of the perspective of a people 's movement?

At all times, the fundamental motive for getting unionised has been the simple and obvious principle that "alone you are weak- together we are strong ".Many people, united, can push for the common interests in a far better way than someone standing alone. This principle runs all through this report.

Over 16 out of 20 employees in Sweden are trade union members. The trade union movement is with its over 3.7 million members and nearly 400,000 elected trade union representatives the outstandingly largest people 's movement in Sweden.

This report describes the development of the Swedish trade union movement and its democratic structure today.

The Swedish Trade Union Confederation (LO), 2004