Are you wondering what LO is?
Are you wondering what LO is? Here’s the answer!
LO brings together 13 different trade unions. In turn, these unions represent around 1.4 million members. You probably come across our members every day. Together we represent hundreds of different professions. We’re there in the store where you shop and the restaurant where you eat. We’re there on construction sites, on trains and at airports. And those of us who work in the health sector give both children and the elderly the care they need. Together we fight for a better working life.
In brief
- There are more than 50 different trade unions in Sweden. If everyone tried to negotiate at the same time, it would be messy. This is why we need central organisations to coordinate the work.
- LO is a central organisation that brings together 13 different trade unions with around 1.4 million members.
- LO organises workers, with jobs ranging from cooks to welders, shop assistants to nurses.
- LO fights for a better working life, including secure employment, reasonable working hours, higher wages and a good working environment.
Is LO a trade union?
No. LO is a central organisation that coordinates 13 different trade unions with around 1.4 million members. We are workers, employed as everything from cooks to welders, shop assistants to nurses. Together, we have incredible strength and fight for better conditions for everyone at work, such as higher wages, better working hours and a more reasonable working environment.
What is the difference between LO, TCO and SACO?
LO is one of three trade union central organisations in Sweden. Simply put, LO organises workers, TCO organises civil servants and SACO organises academics.
Why do we need central organisations?
Trade unions strive to improve your conditions at work. This can include your salary, pension and right to workwear. But if all 50 trade unions were to try to negotiate everything at the same time, things could easily get a bit messy. This is why it’s good that the three central organisations exist and can coordinate major negotiations involving several members.