Annamaria Westregård

Industrial relations in Sweden are part of the Nordic legal tradition. This is characterised by labour law which is largely semi-discretionary law and collective agreements are the most important instrument for regulation of the labour market; these agreements offer a high degree of coverage. Trade unions are well organised and play a central role in the labour law system. During the past 25 years Swedish law has been adapted on a running basis to meet EU legislative requirements. The collective bargaining in Sweden is partly centralized and partly decentralized. In a few decades, wage formation has shifted from strict, fixed going-rate agreements, and sometimes as far as figureless agreements without minimum salaries and that are valid until further notice