According to the SOM institute’s latest figures 54 percent of Swedes are positive about introducing a six-hour working day, the highest figure since the 2000s.
The last time politics legislated around weekly working hours was 1973. But this year, tests with shorter working hours have been started and parts of the Social Democrats want to raise the issue again. Several unions have also been positive about going the legislative route – but not everyone likes the idea.
– It is unions and employers who must make those assessments, says Martin Wästfelt, head of negotiations at Unionen, Sweden’s largest trade union.
“Difference between private and public associations”
Even within LO, there have been different opinions over the years. IF Metall, where the chairman has a seat on the Social Democrats’ executive committee, has traditionally been against legislation, while Kommunal now wants to see it.
– Metall and the unions in the private sector have been less amused by politicians to intervene, while in public activities they have seen legislation as necessary to avoid paying for shorter working hours with lower wages, says working time expert Mats Essemyr.
“LO’s choice of path decisive”
LO’s outgoing chairman Susanna Gideonsson wants LO to pursue the issue of abbreviated working hours at “full power”. The issue will be big at LO’s congress, which begins on May 17, and their choice of path is expected to influence the direction of the Social Democrats.
– The Social Democrats will not be prepared to move forward with legislation unless LO is united and enthusiastic about the issue. There will be too many internal conflicts, says Mats Essemyr.
A working group led by Annika Strandhäll is expected to present a proposal in the area before the summer and the issue will be finally decided at the party’s congress next year. Mats Knutson thinks that shortening working hours has potential as an election issue.
– It shows a clear conflict between right and left, he says.