Industrial agreement ready: "An acceptable level"

Unions and employers have agreed on a new two-year industrial agreement – which will be a guideline for the entire labor market. – We did not reach as high as we wanted, but it was an acceptable level, says Ulrika Lindstrand, union chairwoman of the Swedish Engineers.

After a night of bargaining, the social partners finally agreed on a new two-year industrial agreement. Wages will be adjusted by 3.4 percent this year and by 3 percent in 2026. The industrial unions, IF Metall, Unionen and the Swedish Engineers, had indeed demanded 4.2 percent for 2025, but it was rather the employer side that seemed concerned at Tuesday's press conference. The concern is justified. The agreement is higher than the agreements i…