Trade Unions and the Changing Swedish Model: A Case Study of Swedish Trade Unions' Policies in Relation to the Changing Swedish Welfare State

Abstract: Trade unions have traditionally been key advocates for the Swedish welfare state. Yet, in recent decades, the Swedish welfare model has come under strain. Therefore, the aim of this thesis is to explore what policies Swedish trade unions develop in relation to the changing Swedish welfare state, and what the reasons are behind these policies. This was carried out through semistructured interviews with representatives from nine Swedish unions or central confederations who had insight in the subject at hand. By using Richard Hyman’s conceptual framework for analyzing trade union dynamics, the thesis shows that the policies the unions have chosen to pursue are based on the interconnecting process of identity, interest, democracy, and power. The findings further show that due to welfare retrenchment, the Swedish unions have felt “forced” to take on greater responsibility from the state and pursue policies sometimes at odds with their own identities. This has forced the unions to ask themselves “Who and what are we here for” and redefine their purpose, for instance if they should pursue policies for their members only or for society at large.