Union glossary

To take a temporary break in negotiations. As an elected representative, you have the right to adjourn if you need a reflection period, if new information comes to light during the negotiations or if you need to discuss the matter with someone.

Prior to negotiating a new collective agreement, Forena submits its demands (claims) to the other party.

The period of time for which the collective agreement is in force. The period of agreement for a collective agreement is often between one and three years.

When a collective agreement expires, trade unions and employers must agree on a new agreement. The negotiation process is called bargaining round.

When a collective agreement has expired, we are in a so-called state of non-agreement. This can happen, for example, when a contract is terminated or when a fixed-term contract expires and is not renewed.

In a central negotiation, Forena meets the employers' organisation in order to negotiate a new collective agreement or to pursue a negotiation that has ended in disagreement locally.

The highest level within an employers' organisation and a trade union organisation. Forena’s central negotiators meet representatives of FAO or Fremia (Formerly KFO).

As long as we have a collective agreement in force, we are working under a so-called peace obligation. In that case, neither party may resort to the so-called industrial action, such as strike or lockout.

An employer who is not a member of an employers' organisation but still wishes to implement a collective agreement for its employees.

The guaranteed minimum pay increase for an individual employee. Individually guaranteed pay increases are rare in the insurance industry.

A written agreement between an employers' organisation and a trade union organisation. The collective agreement applies to salaries and other conditions and is binding for the period of the agreement.

Collective agreements can include a guaranteed salary increase for the members as a collective. This means that some individuals can get more than what the guarantee dictates, while others can get less. Forena's local salary agreements often contain a collective guarantee.

In the event of a strike, Forena would pay compensation to the members on strike. In order to finance this cost, money from the membership fees is set aside in a strike fund.

Negotiation between a local Forena club or association and an employer.

Salary policy, wage policy and salary setting are largely determined by companies. Local pay formation is the salary setting model that applies locally to Forena’s members.

Salary increases for people or groups on low pay.

In most companies in the insurance industry, salaries are set via a talk between the employee and the manager.

Local salary negotiations, revision, review and evaluation of salary setting within a company.

Salaries and their relationship with each other.

When an employee exchanges some of their salary for another benefit, for example, salary for pension.

The right of the trade union to be informed about activities and to be involved in influencing the work situation of its employees;

The minimum pay payable by the employer under the collective agreement. In Sweden, there is no statutory minimum pay.

In the Swedish labour market there is a principle that it is the parties in the export industry that first agree on the size of pay increase. This pay increase is called “the pay formation mark” and Forena has said that we will respect and follow the pay formation mark.

An extra supplement to the salary for those who work inconvenient hours, i.e. evenings and weekends. The supplement to the basic pay for inconvenient working hours is regulated in collective agreements.

Discriminatory difference in pay and/or employment conditions between men and women performing work considered equal or equivalent.

Extension of the validity period of a collective agreement.

Salary increase less inflation.

Collective agreement without fixed pay increases. Also known as zero agreement.

When the parties fail to reach an agreement during a negotiations.

When trade unions and employers jointly agree on the conditions to be applied in a workplace or within an industry sector.

Sympathy action is a military measure, such as a strike, which is used to support another trade union that is on strike.