A Turkish tripartite delegation visited Sweden from 25–29 August 2025 under the EU-funded project “Workplace Compliance through Labour Inspection Guidance and Social Dialogue (WPC),” jointly implemented by the ILO and Türkiye’s Directorate of Guidance and Inspection (DoGI). The delegation included senior labour inspectors, as well as representatives of workers’ and employers’ organizations, who engaged with Swedish institutions, trade unions, employers’ groups, and initiatives to exchange knowledge on workplace compliance, occupational safety, and social dialogue.
The visit offered in-depth insights into Sweden’s preventive occupational safety and health (OSH) culture, where inspections are supported by research, technology, and data. Collective agreements play a key role in regulating issues such as wages, annual leave, and overtime, reducing the need for inspector intervention. A particular focus was given to the mandatory workplace safety representatives, empowered to stop work in cases of imminent danger, as well as evidence-based policymaking on emerging risks such as psychosocial challenges, ergonomics, chemical hazards, and the impacts of climate change.
Dialogue with Swedish trade unions and employers highlighted the country’s nearly 90% collective bargaining coverage and the crucial role of social partners in shaping compliance and workplace well-being. Discussions emphasized psychosocial risks affecting white-collar workers, work-life balance initiatives, and joint preventive tools developed for the municipal sector. Employers’ organizations stressed the link between compliance, productivity, and fair competition, while also showcasing cooperative OSH initiatives.
The delegation also participated in experiential learning at the Construction Safety Park, where they practiced OSH scenarios such as working at heights, machine safety, and accident simulations. This hands-on approach inspired consideration of similar training centres or mobile safety units for high-risk sectors in Türkiye.
At the National Mediation Office, the group explored Sweden’s wage-setting process, mediation mechanisms, and the importance of wage data and analysis in supporting fair negotiations and workplace compliance.
Overall, the study visit highlighted Sweden’s strong culture of collective bargaining, social dialogue, and preventive OSH practices. The insights gained are expected to strengthen workplace compliance and institutional cooperation in Türkiye, supporting the goals of the WPC Project.
