Am I allowed to strike in Sweden?
Yes — the right to take industrial action such as a strike, blockade and boycott is protected by the constitution and regulated by the Co-determination Act (MBL). But the right belongs to organisations, that is unions and employers — not to individuals acting alone. That is where most people are wrong: a wildcat strike by individuals breaches the peace obligation. Under a valid collective agreement a peace obligation applies — you may not strike over matters the agreement covers, and a strike is mainly lawful to achieve a new collective agreement. Notice must be given at least 7 working days in advance, simultaneously to the counterparty and to the National Mediation Office. Sympathy action for another lawful conflict is allowed.
📋 The rules
- The right to strike is constitutionally protected
- The right belongs to organisations, not individuals
- Under a collective agreement there is a peace obligation
- Notice: at least 7 working days in advance
- Notice goes simultaneously to the counterparty and the Mediation Office
🔓 Exceptions
- Sympathy action supporting another lawful conflict is allowed
- Certain essential public functions face restrictions
- A 2019 reform limited action against an employer who already has a collective agreement
⚠️ Penalties & fines
An unlawful industrial action can bring damages under MBL — and that is where the cost lies, not in fines. Someone who strikes wildcat can be held liable for the damage the strike causes, which in a shutdown quickly runs to large sums. Failing to give notice in time also brings a penalty of up to about 1,000 kr, a small figure that nonetheless marks the action as unlawful. What matters is therefore the form: the union, not you, gives notice, and the notice must go simultaneously to the counterparty and the Mediation Office, at least 7 working days in advance.
📎 Official sources
- National Mediation Office · Laws and rules →
- National Mediation Office · Strike notice →
- Co-determination Act (1976:580) · Riksdagen →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I strike as an individual employee?
No, not on your own. The right to strike belongs to the union and not to the individual, and a wildcat strike breaches the peace obligation and can bring damages under MBL.
What is the peace obligation?
Under a valid collective agreement you may not strike over matters the agreement covers. A strike is therefore mainly lawful when no agreement binds the parties, to achieve a new one.
How long is the notice period?
At least 7 working days in advance, and the notice must go simultaneously to the counterparty and to the National Mediation Office. Missing it can bring a penalty of up to about 1,000 kr.
When can a union strike?
Mainly to achieve a new collective agreement, when no agreement binds the parties. Sympathy action supporting another lawful conflict is also allowed, while certain essential public functions face restrictions.
What happens with an unlawful strike?
It can bring damages under MBL, meaning liability for the harm the strike causes. Failing to give notice in time can additionally bring a penalty of up to about 1,000 kr.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “am I allowed to strike sweden”
- “right to strike constitution”
- “peace obligation collective agreement”
- “strike notice 7 days”
- “wildcat strike unlawful”
- “mediation office strike”