The EU's Labour Directorate has led to major protests among certain occupational groups. Occupational groups such as ambulance staff and personal assistants currently apply 24-hour shifts, which will no longer be possible under the new rules.
Sweden's Minister for Gender Equality and Deputy Minister for Employment Paulina Brandberg says she has confidence that the parties will reach an agreement. "The parties will have to handle the negotiations themselves and I have full confidence that they will find a solution," she says. The Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR) is negotiating the new collective agreements.