A central short-term agreement has been signed between TMF, the organisation for the Swedish wood industry and GS-Facket, Forest, Wood, and Graphic Industry Union, in light of the severe economic situation, interest and inflation rates, and the wave of layoffs affecting primarily the wood and furniture industry. The agreement is valid until March 31, 2025.
Anna Freij, Chief Negotiator at TMF. Photo: TMF, Juliana Fälldin
'We take a collective responsibility to both save jobs and reduce costs for companies. It is a testament to the strength of the Swedish model,' says Anna Freij, Chief Negotiator at TMF.
Following the sharp downturn in the single-family housing industry in the fall of 2022, many employees in TMF's member companies were laid off. The wave of layoffs has since continued and now also affects the industry's subcontractors. Against this backdrop, the parties have recognised the need to take measures to address the crisis. The central agreement between the parties allows for the possibility of making agreements at the local level to reduce working hours by 20 percent and salaries and other benefits by 12 percent.
The local agreement can cover a total period of 10 months unless local parties agree otherwise. Local parties will determine which employees will be covered by short-time work, the period during which short-time work will take place, and how short-time work will be scheduled.
More information:
TMF
www.tmf.se
