Energy unions strike to defend rest periods

(November 2016) Energy unions have agreed a new collective agreement and ended their strike over rest periods. The new collective agreement increases minimum wage rates and allows for local bargaining around a 2.4% pay increase. The strike was over an attempt by the employers' organisation to reduce rest periods for workers who have been on call. In the end it was agreed to negotiate this at company level where the unions are positive about maintaining the appropriate rest periods.

The Eurofound research agency has published a new report that looks at the rules on rest breaks at work across Europe. These cover both legislation and the kinds of rules included in collective agreements. The report finds considerable variety with different approaches to whether breaks are paid or unpaid and whether or not they are included in working time. The overview includes information on rules for specific categories of workers such as pregnant women, young workers and those employed in arduous occupations. While not a major area of legal dispute, the report highlights some recent court

The Kommunal trade union has negotiated a series of two-year agreements covering a wide range of workers including those working in building maintenance, sports facilities, veterinary care, animal care and training, agriculture and zoos and workplace plant services. The agreements follow the main labour market trend with a 7.4% increase over the two years, with 4.1% in the first year and 3.3% in the second. The agreement covering sports facilities provides for a specific pot for monthly increases for full-time employees of SEK 1029 (€87) in July 2023 and SEK 935 (€80) in July 2024.