ST News at GU June 2025

Reminder: If you have general questions regarding employment conditions or your ST membership, it’s easiest to contact ST Direkt at 0771–555 444 or stdirekt@st.org. For more local matters, feel free to email us and we’ll respond as soon as we can: st@gu.se. You can also speak to our workplace representatives and faculty officers.

Salary negotiations starting earlier than usual 

We have begun reviewing a new local collective salary agreement at the University of Gothenburg, which will replace the current agreement that is valid until September 30. The goal is to sign the local agreement as soon as the central parties have finalized a new central collective salary agreement. You can follow the developments regarding the central negotiations on this page (Swedish): Avtalsrörelsen 2025 | Fackförbundet ST.

As we mentioned in the previous newsletter, the work on developing the local salary formation process at GU is underway – something the unions have been requesting for quite some time. The unions and the employer need to develop qualitative aspects such as follow-up and analysis to increase the accuracy and transparency of salary setting. To achieve this, the salary negotiation process itself must become more efficient. Therefore, the parties have agreed to aim to complete the 2025 salary revision sometime in November, so that the new salaries can be paid with the December salary. The salary survey from ST will be sent to all members already in August, at the same time as the employer begins this year’s salary discussions.

Investigation into operational support creates concern

On June 10, the Vice-Chancellor sent out a newsletter to all staff announcing that the University Director will be tasked with leading a “resource-efficiency review” of the university’s operational support. The assignment includes a review of tasks carried out by approximately 2,300 employees.

“The goal is to reduce the proportion of the university’s total costs devoted to operational support by 10 percent over three years. We need to create the best possible conditions for world-class educational and research environments, especially as financial resources shrink” writes the Vice-Chancellor.

ST does not doubt that there are opportunities to develop the organization and make it more efficient. However, the ST section’s representatives were surprised by how the proposal was presented. The information – sent out just before the holiday period – contained no mention of the potential impact on the work environment and offered no guidance for individual employees who may feel concerned. Since the Vice-Chancellor's newsletter was published, we have received calls and emails from several members who feel anxious and singled out.

The ST section has spoken with the Vice-Chancellor, but unfortunately, we do not have more information than what was stated in the newsletter. It is important to emphasize that this investigation has not been presented as an organizational change, and no cost reductions have been decided by the University Board. ST and the other unions at the university will receive information through the Co-Determination in the Workplace Act (MBL) process and will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback. 

If you have concerns, you are welcome to contact us. You can also talk to us at “Fika med facket.” The next occasion is September 10 (see below for more details).

Interested in work environment? It’s time to elect work environment representatives for 2026–28

This fall it’s time for new elections and re-elections of Work Environment Representatives (AMO) – also known as safety representatives – at the university. The term of office runs from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028. If you're interested in work environment matters, we encourage you to consider this important assignment. Work Environment Representatives have great opportunities to influence their workplace by representing their colleagues in collaboration with the employer – within the local work environment group, as members of the local work environment committee, or in cases involving one or more individuals. Work environment issues include not only the physical workplace but also matters such as workload, equal opportunities, and the social and organizational environment.

The goal is to have one regular AMO and one deputy in each work environment area. Even if there is an AMO who wants to continue for the next term, there may still be a need for a deputy. Talk to your current work environment representative – they can tell you what the role entails, what the conditions are, and what types of issues are common.

The university offers basic training for AMOs, and ST provides a variety of relevant courses. There is also a university-wide network for all Work Environment Representatives and Chief Work Environment Representatives.

Read more on the employee portal: Work environment representative
ST information for Safety Representatives (Swedish): / Skyddsombud | Fackförbundet ST

Coffee with Your Union Representatives (“Fika med facket”)

Want to discuss employment conditions, salary, or work environment issues – or just learn more about what the union does? Then drop by one of our "Coffee with the Union" events. Both ST members and other GU employees are welcome, so feel free to bring one or more colleagues. Since salary negotiations will start earlier than usual, there is only one Fika scheduled at this point.

• Wednesday, September 10, from 4 PM to 5 PM, ST’s office at Karl Gustavsgatan 12B, floor 4.

ST and Union Work on Climate Transition

ST, like several other unions, has committed to actively working on climate transition issues in the workplace. The ST section at GU has formed a new climate group, which will work on spreading good examples and following climate-related issues within the agency. If you're interested in learning more or want to get involved, contact us at st@gu.se!

Read more (Swedish): Klimatomställningen | Fackförbundet ST