Sweden: Opinions On Unions and Work

By LO

In the fourth report of "Opinions on unions and work", work-related privileges and benefits are illustrated. Comparisons are made with previous reports made in 1988, 1993, 1998 and 2002.

The possibility to take five minutes' rest from work without asking for permission is a matter of course for many employees. But almost a third of the LO women cannot do that compared to only six per cent of the TCO men (white-collar workers) and SACO men (academics).

Only 28 per cent of the LO women and 41 per cent of the LO men are allowed leave of absence for one hour without having the wage deducted while more than 65 per cent of the TCO and SACO men have that privilege.

Only 18 per cent of the LO women have health care free of charge while around 40 per cent of the other groups have this privilege.

There is a noticeable difference between men's and women's privileges, and the group of LO women is the less privileged. But the connection between size of wage and work-related privileges are just as apparent.