Union shop steward salary

What does a union representative do?

Working as a union representative means representing and supporting members in a trade union. The focus of the profession lies in negotiating work conditions, salaries, and other work-related issues. Union representatives play a crucial role in ensuring that employers comply with labor laws and collective agreements. The job requires communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and a deep understanding of both legal and workplace-related matters.

Salary for a union representative

The median salary for a union representative is 37 000 SEK per month. Men in the profession earn slightly more, with an average salary of 38 300 SEK. Unfortunately, specific salary data for women is missing, but the lowest reported salary for women in the profession is 31,900 SEK.

Salary development

There has been a positive salary development for union representatives. The average salary has increased from 34 750 SEK to 37 000 SEK since the last measurement, indicating an appreciation and significance of the profession.

Hourly employment

For those employed on an hourly basis, the average hourly wage is 222 SEK, based on 166 working hours per month.

Highest and lowest salaries

• The highest salary for a man in the profession is 40,900 SEK, belonging to a privately employed male executive with a high school education, up to two years.
• The highest salary for a woman in the same profession is 31,900 SEK.
• The lowest salary for a union representative is 31,900 SEK, referring to a woman working across different sectors with an unspecified level of education.
• For men, the lowest salary is 39,400 SEK.

Education and qualifications

There are no specific requirements for formal education to become a union representative, but having a background in labor law, negotiation techniques, or personnel administration is common. Many trade unions offer internal training to enhance their representatives' skills. Practical work experience, especially within the sector where one operates, is also highly valuable.

Future prospects and competition

The demand for union representatives can vary depending on the industry size and the specific labor market conditions in the region. The profession offers stable career opportunities for those interested in working with labor law issues and employee relations. Competition can be tough depending on the number of available positions within a trade union.

Working conditions

The workplace for a union representative can vary significantly depending on whether one works at a local, regional, or national level. Many have access to flexible work arrangements, which may include remote work and paid training programs to further develop their skills. It is common to be provided with work tools such as a laptop and mobile phone to efficiently perform job duties.

Challenges in the profession

A challenge in the profession can be managing complex negotiation situations and sometimes conflicting interests between members and employers. It requires staying updated on changes in labor law and collective agreements to offer the best possible support to members.

Benefits and working conditions

Union representatives can enjoy several benefits depending on the trade union they belong to. This may include paid training to enhance skills, access to modern technology, and sometimes the opportunity to work remotely to balance work and personal life. At the same time, there may be expectations of being available during times when members need support, which can involve varying work hours.

Summary

Working as a union representative is a rewarding profession for those passionate about improving work conditions and supporting colleagues in the workplace. With an average salary of 37 000 SEK and opportunities for salary growth, the profession offers stable financial prospects. However, it requires a combination of legal knowledge, negotiation skills, and an empathetic understanding of employees' needs and challenges.