Metal and Industrial workers union, IF Metall provide expertise and experience in the Swedish Model – specifically in Social dialogue as it is proven method in achieving decent work. The collaboration is also using the unions’ experience in industrial relations with global companies. The collaboration with the three parties (companies, unions and employees) is often used in Workplace Programmes and IF Metall supports the dialogue structure needed.
Trade unions and companies represent different interests. Unions main role is to represent workers, protect their interest and strive for as good and safe working conditions as possible. Companies role is to provide owners and shareholders return on their investments, but at the end of the day a pre-condition for both parties/stakeholders is that the company is successful and profitable. If not, there will be nothing for workers and their unions to negotiate, no dividends to the owners/shareholders.
Dialogue and cooperation between trade unions and companies/employers is core and essential for us as a trade union. Dialogue and cooperation are the tool for development of a company and their ability to compete on the market and by then give conditions for improvement of working conditions. By self-experienced evidence, we know that dialogue and cooperation is beneficial for workers, for companies and as well for society as a whole! It’s a Win, Win, Win situation!