Changing industrial relations in the Swedish public sector : New tensions within the old framework of corporatism

Purpose – This paper aims to provide an overview of changes in the context of the Swedish public sector. Design/methodology/approach – It reviews the main literature on the topic and relevant policy texts. Findings – In short, even though the last decade and a half has been a most turbulent period in the history of the Swedish public sector, with its peak in two great strikes, the framework has remained substantially intact. Swedish path dependency has been so strong that the system has largely survived; it has moved towards “organized decentralization”, but it has not dissolved. It is probable that the end of that move has not yet been seen; the Swedish system is still transforming. Research limitations/implications – It is a general overview of key developments. Practical implications – It is relevant for a discussion of the general trends and dynamic of public sector industrial relations in Sweden. Originality/value – This article manages to take an overview and point to the uncertain development of a new market approach.