How much does a Union shop steward make

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Union shop steward

37 300 kr

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33 500 - 41 400 kr / month

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Union shop steward

Average salary 37 300 kr
Males 39 500 kr
Females 0 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 10 Vacant jobs ->

What does a union representative do? – Tasks and work environment

A union representative works to represent employees against the employer, often within a union organization or directly at the workplace. The main tasks revolve around negotiating wages, working conditions, and the work environment, as well as providing advice and support to colleagues on employment law issues. The work also involves ensuring compliance with laws and agreements, participating in cooperation meetings, and sometimes organizing training for members. The work environment is characterized by a fast pace and close contact with both employers and employees, requiring integrity and good communication skills.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salary development for union representatives has shown steady growth. In 2022, the average salary was 34,750 SEK, which increased to 35 700 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary was measured at 36,500 SEK, corresponding to a total increase of approximately 5% over the three-year period. This positive trend can largely be explained by increased demand for union expertise as the labor market changes and employment law issues gain greater importance. Education level and experience have also become more important for salary setting, leading to a more differentiated salary structure within the profession. Nonetheless, salary increases are in line with the general development within similar occupations.

Union representatives often have a unique opportunity to influence the workplace culture and climate, making the profession one of the most influential roles outside of management. Through their work, they contribute to long-term improvements for both individuals and organizations.

– statsskuld.se

Union representative salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 37 300 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 33,500 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 41,400 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage: 224 SEK
  • Gender differences: Men 39 500 SEK, women 33,500– (insufficient statistics)
  • Regional differences: Data missing

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a union representative is often varied and based on work experience and engagement in union matters. Formal educational requirements are uncommon, but knowledge of labor law, negotiation techniques, and the work environment are highly meritorious. Many choose to attend internal training via their union and supplement with courses or self-study in relevant areas.

  • Formal education: No requirements, but high school education common
  • Courses: Labor law, negotiation techniques, work environment
  • Practical experience: Union engagement at the workplace
  • Prerequisites: Work experience and interest in employment conditions
  • Tips: Combine internal training with networking within the union

Common benefits and compensations

Union representatives often have access to benefits such as additional vacation days, training grants, and sometimes reduced working hours for union activities. Compensation for lost income during union duties is common, as well as opportunities for skills development through union courses and conferences.

Competition and challenges

The competition for roles as a union representative is generally moderate, but there are challenges associated with the role. Balancing the interests of the employer and employees requires both integrity and negotiation skills. The job often involves handling difficult conversations and sometimes resisting pressure from multiple sides. Changes in the labor market structure and regulations impose high demands on continuous skills development and adaptability. Digitalization and increased complexity in working life also change the role and require new union skills.

Tips for those who want to become a union representative

To succeed as a union representative, it is good to combine engagement with a strong sense of justice and good cooperation skills. Actively listening to colleagues and understanding their needs is crucial, as is clear communication and the courage to push issues forward. It is recommended to participate in union training and networking, as experience exchange is an important success factor. Staying updated on employment law issues and being solution-oriented helps in negotiations and conflicts. Finally, patience and perseverance facilitate long-term change within the organization.

Key facts about the union representative

  • Average salary: 37 300 SEK/month
  • Typical work form: Union duties alongside regular work
  • Education requirements: No formal requirements, but work experience highly valued
  • Demand: 620 available jobs within the profession according to latest statistics
  • Special skills: Negotiation, labor law, communication

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a union representative, opportunities open to advance to regional or central union roles, such as ombudsman or trainer within the union. It is also common for experience to lead to roles within HR, work environment, or employment law advisory. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate continued stable demand for union representatives, especially in larger organizations where labor law issues become increasingly complex. Those combining union engagement with further education have good opportunities to develop within both union and administrative careers.

Common questions about the union representative

  • What does a union representative earn?
    - A union representative has an average salary of 37 300 SEK per month.
  • How do you become a union representative?
    - Through engagement in the union and election by colleagues, one can be appointed as a representative, often without formal education requirements.
  • What are the duties of a union representative?
    - Duties include negotiations, advice, training, and monitoring working conditions.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, men have an average salary of 39 500 SEK, while the highest female salary is 33,500 SEK according to available statistics.
  • What are the future prospects?
    - Demand remains stable with 620 available jobs within the profession according to recent data.
  • Is education required to become a union representative?
    - Formal education is rarely required, but courses in labor law and negotiation are recommended.
  • What is the highest salary for a union representative?
    - The highest reported salary is 41,400 SEK per month for men, and 33,500 SEK for women.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-15 19:24:21

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Union shop steward is 41400 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 33500 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Union shop steward is 33500 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 40200 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
45-54 34900 kr 38900 kr
55-64 33900 kr 36100 kr
Snitt 84% 33400 kr 36500 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Union shop steward has the SSYK code 4430, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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