What happened
Within the state-owned company Samhall, several measures to improve the work environment have been implemented. This is stated by the company's Deputy CEO Sabina Rasiwala Hägglund in a reply in the newspaper Arbetet. She emphasizes that the company currently has approximately 400 safety representatives. At the same time, she notes that Samhall is not yet at the finish line and that the company needs even more safety representatives.
Our analysis
When a state-owned company says it is ”constantly working to improve”, it usually means one thing: the criticism hit the bullseye. Samhall was created to provide meaningful work for people who are furthest from the labor market. Many of those who clean and toil under the company's banner are new Swedes who do not get a chance anywhere else.
Management is now calling for more safety representatives. But the responsibility for a functional and safe work environment can never be shifted onto the shop floor. It is not the employees who should solve the problems of tight schedules and tough conditions by taking on union duties alongside their daily work.
The state profits from appearing to be a good employer. The reality behind the fine words about social responsibility often looks completely different for those pushing the cleaning carts. It is time to scrutinize the conditions, not applaud the obvious.
Explained
A safety representative is an employee who represents their colleagues in matters concerning safety and health in the workplace.