Collective agreements are voluntary agreements between unions and employers' organisations regarding the working conditions that apply to employees. They complement labour legislation and often provide much better terms for employees.
Collective agreements may entitle you to multiple benefits, such as:
- Extra parental benefits if you have children.
- Extra financial compensation if you become ill or are injured in an accident.
- Occupational pension, which is an important supplement to the state pension.
- Additional benefits and support for finding new jobs in cases of redundancy.
Being covered by a collective agreement may be regarded as a guarantee that the workplace provides good working conditions for employees, although the conditions may differ a little depending on the relevant agreement.
If you are employed by the state, (including universities), a municipality or a county council, you are covered by collective agreements. If you work in the private sector, it is up to the employer to sign collective agreements. Contact your employer to find out what applies at your workplace.
Collective agreements apply to anyone working for an employer who has chosen to become party to a collective agreement. However, it is important that you are a member of a trade union such as Naturvetarna - the more of us there are, the greater our legitimacy to negotiate good working conditions for professional scientists.
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