A collective approach

Scientists everywhere — in academia as well as industry — face many of the same work issues at some point during their careers. People get laid off, for instance, or decide to switch jobs, or need to take time off for illness or child care.

To face these challenges, Swedish scientists have historically banded together, rather than going it alone. The Swedish Association of Scientists has, for over 50 years, provided researchers with a collective voice. The organization's unity has been in great demand lately, as biotechnology companies merge, and telecommunication and information-technology firms face greater financial pressures.

The organization has 21,000 members with a university degree in the field of science; more than 25% have a PhD and 20% hold a managerial position. The group is part of the Swedish Confederation of Professional Associations, which unites more than 570,000 members from different professional associations.

In Sweden, most terms of employment are regulated in collective agreements, and these tend to be negotiated by unions and professional associations. According to Swedish legislation, the professional associations and traditional trade unions are the main advocates for employees' rights.

The Swedish Association of Scientists helps to negotiate terms for members when they leave jobs. And when members suffer job losses, as a result of lay-offs or bankruptcy, the association can supplement their income with insurance, as well as help them find training or other job opportunities.

As a professional organization, it also offers members individual career and salary coaching as well as legal advice. Collectively the group pools its knowledge and resources to lobby for better working conditions, including those within the lab, and on quality-of-life issues and medical care.

This has proved to be a very effective way not just to improve working conditions for Sweden's scientists but also to increase efficiency, and therefore productivity, for its researchers, their institutions and for the country as a whole.

Organizing scientists has worked well in Sweden, but it may not be an option in countries that prohibit scientists from unionizing. Perhaps professional organizations can still offer members advocacy and support.

→ http://www.naturvetareforbundet.se