Sweden is on its way into an agreement movement. During the winter, representatives of employers and trade unions in industry will negotiate the wage-setting "brand", which affects the wages of almost 3.5 million Swedes. It is work that obligates and which we take very seriously.
The industrial agreement, which turns 30 next year, has served Sweden well. The parties' ability to take responsibility for the export industry's competitiveness and sustainable wage increases has yielded results. Between 1997–2021, real wages have increased by around 60 percent. A low level of conflict has led to the number of lost working days dropping to internationally record low levels. Sweden benefits from continuing on that path.
On Monday, the Trade Union presented its numbered demand for these negotiations. They want to see a 3.9 percent salary increase in a one-year agreement. They justify their demand with the need for real wage increases and good conditions for their members, workers and officials in Swedish industry.
As representatives of employers in industry, we know the value of being able to attract people to industry, through developing jobs, a good working environment and good conditions. We know that it takes competent, motivated personnel to keep the Swedish industry ticking and going around the clock, all year round.
But we also know what the prerequisite for all this is. These are strong, prosperous and globally competitive industrial companies. Without strong companies, jobs and security disappear. Without strong companies, towns and villages go out of business. Without strong companies, Sweden becomes a weaker country.
Because everything is connected. When our member companies do well, the whole of Sweden is strengthened. Then the next generation can take over the family business and continue hiring. Then the industrial company in the small town can help sponsor the new ice rink. Then large and small industrial companies can continue to contribute with global exports and local pride. Continue to be the guarantor of the welfare, safety and infrastructure we all take for granted.
But is all this affected by a few percentage points here or there in an agreement? The answer is undoubtedly yes. Because despite the fact that we anticipate some improvement in the Swedish economy, the companies' margins are tight and the competitive situation is tough. A troubled environment affects energy prices, transport and raw material costs. China poses an increasingly large and more noticeable competitive threat to both Swedish and European industry. Not least Sweden's most important export market, Germany, has been hit hard.
In that situation, every cost becomes noticeable to the companies. And anything that weakens companies hits jobs, growth and welfare.
Our clear answer is that we now need to reduce the pace of wage increases instead. Because it is only through responsible, well-thought-out wage increases that we ensure that in the future there is actually a job to go to and companies to get a salary from. We realize that we as parties are unusually far apart and that it will be a challenging negotiation process, but our message is firm: Shift down, for the sake of companies and jobs. That is the only way we can build a long-term competitive Sweden.
