Earlier this summer, Spotify pulled out of negotiations over a collective bargaining agreement. Of course a disappointment, but not quite the end of the road, notes Nicola Lewis, deputy head of negotiations at Unionen. Discussions will continue in order to secure union members' right to negotiation and co-determination.
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Publicerad 03 sept. 2023
English spoken public service Radio Sweden recently published a spot where representatives from trade unions Unionen and Akavia talk about the way forward in negotiations with Spotify.
Spotify pulled out of negotiations arguing such an agreement would "add any significant value" for their employees. Nicola Lewis, deputy head of negotiations at Unionen, says it is true that Spotify offers good conditions for its employees.
But the collective agreement brings other values, such as rights to negotiation and co-determination. In addition, collective agreements ensure that the benefits you have are secured in the long term as there is a long-term agreement between employer and employee.
Unionen together with other trade unions finds it regrettable that negotiations did not reach all the way, but is still hoping to find ways to end up in a collective agreement with Spotify. Discussions will continue outside the formal negotiations with the goal of trying to understand Spotify's perspectives and to find consensus around the benefits of a collective agreement.
- Unionen will now analyze the situation to find the best way forward. At the end of the road strike or conflict is a tool, but that's not where we are right now, says Nicola Lewis, deputy head of negotiations at Unionen.
Radio Sweden, the international channel of Public Service Swedish Radio, has spoken to the unions involved, who say they will continue efforts to try to bring Spotify around to "the Swedish model".
