We believe that we must be a continued force for changes that benefit everyone. A general reduction of full-time work would mean a major freedom reform for many who struggle to make ends meet. It would improve many people's health, working life, and life puzzle, says Strandhäll, who leads the working group "A Sustainable and Developing Working Life for All."
Only about two percent of the unemployed are in labor market training today. According to the proposal, at least ten percent should be covered. Strandhäll also points out that unemployment has been around eight percent since the 1990s and has increased this year.
We believe that by shortening working hours, more tasks will also need to be distributed among more individuals. Since Sweden has high unemployment, there is a large workforce reserve to draw upon.
More in Work
TT: There is a labor shortage in several professions, including healthcare and education. What is required for the reform not to hit them harder?
We believe it is important to implement it over a fairly long period. If you look at our entire reform package, it creates more opportunities for more people to enter the labor market.
Strandhäll means that the reform can make it possible for more people to go from part-time to full-time and that the reduction in working hours can increase attractiveness.
No "Horror Examples"
TT: Have you made any concrete calculations on what this could cost?
We have looked at comparisons with working hour projects implemented in Sweden and other countries, and have been in contact with researchers and international experts. We can conclude that the costs do not come close to the horror examples presented in the debate.
According to Strandhäll, it is not relevant to increase labor immigration to make the proposal possible.
The important thing is that we utilize those who are outside the labor market today.
The Social Democratic working group "A Sustainable and Developing Working Life for All" is submitting a proposal for a comprehensive reform that they hope will be addressed at the S-congress next year.
A state-funded research project is proposed where 5,000 individuals will reduce their working hours with maintained salary for a year. After the study, a gradual reduction of the statutory normal working hours by one hour per year is proposed, starting from 2030.
Work environment reform with proposals for the right to penalty fees regarding the psychosocial work environment.
Make it more expensive for employers to hire people with temporary employment.
Income indexing so that the levels in sickness insurance and unemployment insurance are increased annually by following the income base amount.
"Security Pension 2.0" with changes to the pension reform from 2022. New age rule where you can apply for security pension after 40 years in working life. More generous assessment of work ability and separation of security pension from sickness insurance.
New vocational program for special occupations for the unemployed.
Improvement of the opportunities for people with disabilities on the labor market, including better-designed wage subsidies with a higher ceiling.
