In Sweden is set wages through agreements between the labor market parties: unions and employers. The stronger the unions become, the better bargaining position the wage earners have. In these times of Kommunal's lack of respect for members' money and criticism of some trade unions' weak membership commitment, it is important to remember one thing: the trade unions, the parties to the left of the center and the people's movements built a society that became one of the most economically equal in the world.
It is reasonable to protest loudly if a union misbehaves. If the management shoes themselves. If the members are not taken seriously. Scandals must be brought to light. But, without the unions, the wage earners have nothing to do with it. The union's chairman Martin Linder writes in Colleague no. 2 2016, p. 72:
"The union idea is based on the fact that there will always be an imbalance of power between employers and employees, and that we need to come together to create a balance in that inequality./…/It is good that the members review and dig. We in the union must stand up to scrutiny. With positions of power also comes a special responsibility to do not only what is legal, but also what is appropriate.”
Trade unions work for to strengthen the rights of wage earners. Both during, between and after the parliamentary elections. Here is a golden opportunity for those who want to influence working life for the better, all year round.