DN Debate Replicas. "You earn 60 percent more - how is the employees' 3.9 a threat?"

The industry's employer organizations claim in a response to our debate article (DN Debatt 2/11) that our demands for the 2027 collective bargaining are too high.

There is no disagreement that the industry needs competitive companies. This is precisely why the Industrial Agreement has been successful for almost three decades. But the employers' conclusion that the wage increases must now be reduced is based on an incomplete picture of reality.

The fact is that the employees in the industry have for a long time contributed to the companies' success through high productivity, adaptability and responsibility. When companies do well, it is not only the merit of the owners and company management. It is also the result of the daily work of tens of thousands of industrial employees.

Employers warn that 3.9 percent wage increases would threaten competitiveness. But they present no evidence that this particular level would be incompatible with a continued strong industry. At the same time, they themselves show real wage increases of around 60 percent since the Industrial Agreement was introduced. It is clear evidence that competitiveness and real wage increases can go hand in hand.

The employees expect to receive a share of the value they are helping to create

It is important to underline that our salary requirements are long-term and are based on the industry's competitiveness and the cost trend vis-à-vis our outside world. An analysis of Swedish industry's competitiveness cannot now arrive at any other conclusion than that it is strong and has strengthened in recent years.

At the same time, we share the picture of an uncertain environment and increased competition. But the uncertainty is not borne solely by the companies and the employees expect to receive a share of the value they are helping to create. A well-functioning wage formation is therefore not only about cost control, but also about fair distribution, supply of skills and the attractiveness of the industry.

It is difficult to recruit and retain employees by saying that wages must always be reduced as soon as the outside world becomes uncertain. In order to cope with the competition, Swedish industry needs both investments and employees who see that education, experience and professional skills pay off.

Strong companies are important. But just as important are strong wage earners with growing purchasing power. One does not exclude the other. On the contrary, the Swedish model has shown that long-term competitive companies and real wage increases for employees can develop together. That is the path we want to continue on. Our salary requirement is well substantiated.