The Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR) and the municipal companies' employers' organisation Sobona have reached an agreement. The parties have agreed that employers in essential activities can apply for an exemption to allow employees to work up to 24 hours per day.
The exemption is valid for a maximum of one year. The European Commission has questioned whether the collective agreement is compatible with the EU Working Time Directive in certain parts. The new agreements will be submitted to the European Commission and included in the review of the basic agreement on working hours.