“Had hoped for shorter working hours” – assistant nurse Ann-Sofie disappointed after the agreement – Work

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There was no strike for Kommunal. The day before the strike would have broken out, unions and employers agreed on a new agreement for around 540,000 employees in municipalities, regions and healthcare companies.

The union got through certain demands regarding, among other things, the rules for 24-hour rest and a guaranteed wage increase for everyone. But there was no reduction in working hours.

– I had really hoped for a reduction in working hours. There has been a bit of pressure in the debate, also politically, and I think the time is right, says Ann-Sofie Svensson, assistant nurse and protection officer in Sotenäs.

Not least in her municipality, the question of the working time measure is hot. Previously, the municipality had a working time reduction that meant that night workers, such as Ann-Sofie Svensson, worked 31.33 hours full time. Those who worked during the day had 37 hours.

“You need recovery”

Around four years ago, the reduction in working hours was removed and now it is the collective agreement’s 34.33 and 38.25 that apply, which has led to several work shifts every month.

– I notice how much these extra nights do. It makes a huge difference. You need recovery.

Ann-Sofie Svensson has many colleagues who reduce their working hours because they can’t take it otherwise. She sees it as a women’s trap and says that it is instead the employers who must take responsibility.

– I believe that in 2024 you should be able to work full-time, otherwise it is the employer who has failed. I work full time at night. And I’m constantly tired.

In the new collective agreement, Kommunal and the employers have agreed on an agreement in principle regarding working hours. According to it, they must “review the working time rules in the municipal and regional sector in order to identify which measures need to be taken from a long-term perspective”.

Municipal target: 30 hours

Ann-Sofie Svensson says that she hasn’t fully understood the new agreement yet, but she is happy that it was only for one year. In a year’s time, the pressure on the working time issue will be even stronger, she believes.

– We have high retirements and we have difficulty recruiting in care. Therefore, it is even more important that we have a low full-time ratio so that we can work longer.

Kommunal has a congressional decision that the union must work for 30-hour weeks. Ann-Sofie Svensson thinks that is a good goal, but she thinks that 35 hours is more realistic, at least as a first step.

– We have had 40-hour weeks in the team since the 1970s without change. How much has society changed in these years? It really is time for shorter working hours now.

The fact that Kommunal has slightly shorter working hours in its contract than what the Working Hours Act specifies is scant consolation, she thinks.

– Those who work during the day have 38.25 hours. Then you work evenings, days, weekends and long weekends. I don’t think that’s fair compensation for working such inconvenient hours. It’s not good enough.

So was Kommunal’s new agreement

The agreement applies to around 540,000 employees in municipalities and regions, as well as in private care companies that have a collective agreement with Solona.

Wages are increased by an average of SEK 985, which corresponds to 3.3 percent. Everyone is guaranteed a salary increase of SEK 450, which must be paid no later than June 30, unless otherwise negotiated locally. The salary increase applies from 1 April.

The 24-hour period has been a hot issue. The new agreement facilitates 24-hour shifts within LSS, but the requirement for exemption is not completely abolished in the rescue service, as the union demanded.

The agreement also involves, among other things, a review of the salary agreement to get a clearer connection between salary and tasks, experience, education and professional skills.

The agreement is valid from 1 April this year to 31 March 2025.

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