Foodora Sweden Collective Agreement: What You Need to Know
Foodora Sweden, the online food delivery platform, has been in the news lately for its collective bargaining agreement with the Swedish Trade Union Confederation (LO). This agreement, signed in January 2021, covers more than 1,500 couriers working for Foodora in Sweden and is the first of its kind for the gig economy in the country. Here is what you need to know about the Foodora Sweden collective agreement.
What is a collective agreement?
A collective agreement is a written agreement between an employer and a trade union that regulates the terms and conditions of employment for workers. It sets out the rights and obligations of both the employer and the employees, such as wages, working hours, overtime pay, sick leave, and other benefits. Collective agreements are legally binding and enforceable in court.
Why is the Foodora Sweden collective agreement significant?
The Foodora Sweden collective agreement is significant because it is the first collective agreement for gig workers in Sweden. Gig workers are typically classified as self-employed and therefore not covered by traditional labor laws and protections. However, the Foodora Sweden collective agreement recognizes the couriers as employees and guarantees them certain benefits and protections.
What are the terms of the Foodora Sweden collective agreement?
Under the Foodora Sweden collective agreement, couriers will receive a minimum hourly wage of 120 Swedish kronor ($14) plus compensation for car and bike maintenance and other expenses. They will also receive sick pay, vacation pay, and pension contributions. The couriers will also have access to training and development opportunities, and they will be able to report safety issues and receive protective equipment.
How did the Foodora Sweden collective agreement come about?
The Foodora Sweden collective agreement was the result of a long-standing dispute between Foodora and its couriers over their employment status and working conditions. In 2018, the Swedish Labor Court ruled that Foodora couriers were employees and not independent contractors. This ruling paved the way for the couriers to unionize and negotiate a collective agreement. The Swedish Transport Workers` Union (STWU) and the Swedish Food Workers` Union (SFWU) supported the couriers in their efforts to form a union and negotiate a collective agreement.
What does the Foodora Sweden collective agreement mean for the gig economy?
The Foodora Sweden collective agreement could be a precedent-setting development for the gig economy in Sweden and beyond. By recognizing gig workers as employees and granting them certain rights and protections, the agreement could set a new standard for labor standards in the gig economy. It could also inspire other gig workers to unionize and negotiate collective agreements.
In conclusion, the Foodora Sweden collective agreement is a significant development for the gig economy in Sweden. It recognizes couriers as employees and guarantees them certain rights and protections. It could set a new standard for labor standards in the gig economy and inspire other gig workers to unionize and negotiate collective agreements.