Freedom of association Mer

Freedom of association means that everyone has the right to form and join associations and that these associations have the right to act freely. However, it also means that no one should be forced to belong to or support an association or be punished if one chooses not to be a part of an association. Freedom of association is protected by the Swedish Constitution, but the protection of this right is stronger in the European Convention on Human Rights.

In Sweden, the problem mainly occurs on the labour market. There are employers that prevent employees from joining a trade union, or that treat members of smaller unions, such as the Syndicalists, less favourable than members of bigger unions. When the union and employer organisations use their discretion not to apply the law regulating the order in which people may be dismissed, employees who are not members of a union are sometimes discriminated against. At times, boycotts by trade unions against companies overstep the line when, for example, the aim is to obtain an illegal collective agreement or there is no reasonable balance between the means used and the goal.

Centrum för rättvisa helps employees and companies that are victims of violations by trade unions or employers.