Historic Agreement Reached for Cabin Crew

The Swedish Transport Workers’ Union (Transport) and the Swedish Aviation Industry have reached a historic agreement for cabin crew. The notice of industrial action is therefore withdrawn.

For the first time, the Swedish Transport Workers’ Union (Transport) has negotiated the Cabin Agreement, as the agreement area was transferred from the Unionen trade union earlier this year. Now, a historic agreement has been reached between Transport and the Swedish Aviation Industry after Transport was forced to issue a notice of industrial action.

"The agreement brings about changes that employers haven’t provided for decades. We have now secured a historic deal that I am proud to stand behind. The agreement means improved conditions and terms for cabin crew,” says Tommy Wreeth, President of the Transport Workers’ Union.

The background to Transport’s notice of industrial action—strike and blockade—was the employers’ unwillingness to meet demands for improved working conditions for cabin crew, as well as how the local negotiation process should be handled at each airline.

“Previously, local negotiations at each airline were tied by the peace obligation. In the past, employers could dictate terms locally, but that ends now. We’ve secured a fair local negotiation process that strengthens bargaining power and will, in the long run, enable more secure working conditions at every airline in Sweden,” says Tommy Wreeth.

A preliminary central Cabin Agreement has been signed and will take effect retroactively from May 1, 2025—provided that local negotiations are concluded at each airline no later than June 18, 2025.

In the preliminary central agreement, which applies to all airlines in Sweden covered by the Cabin Agreement, Transport has secured clear improvements. A maximum flight time of 47.5 hours over a rolling 7-day period will be introduced into the central agreement. Industry experience can now be credited when switching airlines, which was previously not possible.

In connection with the agreement, the previously announced industrial actions have been withdrawn.

About the Agreement:

• Local negotiations at each airline are now to be initiated. A peace obligation is in place until June 18, 2025, meaning no industrial actions such as strikes or blockades may be undertaken. Historically, local negotiations have been hampered by peace obligations, creating an unfair local bargaining process.
  
  
• A preliminary central Cabin Agreement (covering all airlines under the Cabin Agreement with the Swedish Aviation Industry) has been signed and will take effect retroactively from May 1, 2025, provided that local negotiations are concluded by June 18, 2025.

About the Preliminary Central Cabin Agreement:

• The agreement takes effect retroactively from May 1, 2025, provided local negotiations at each airline are completed or unless otherwise notified.

• Two-year agreement period: From May 1, 2025 to April 30, 2027.

• Maximum scheduled flight time is 47.5 hours over a rolling 7-day period. Any exceptions must be approved by Transport centrally. (Previously, deviations could be decided locally.)

• Recognition of industry experience: Employees switching airlines can have up to 4 years of industry experience within the last 5 years credited. Salary is also determined based on years in the profession according to the applicable pay scale. Previously, this was not possible—changing airlines meant being hired as if you had never flown before.

• Working groups will be established to review the future wage and agreement structure and negotiation process.