"The collective agreement was the most important reason for becoming members of Almega Service Associations"
2019-11-08
Three quick questions to Olle Schubert, CEO of New Republic, about why New Republic has now joined the Salaried Employee Agreement, a collective agreement between Almega Service Associations and [the white-collar union] Unionen and Akademikerförbunden [an umbrella organisation for 14 unions in the trade and services sectors].
What does the collective agreement mean for New Republic?
– For three years running, we have been crowned the best in Sweden at providing demanding clients with strategic advice. For us to continue to do so when the company is growing, we also need in future to be able to attract the best employees. As an employee of New Republic, you will know that uniform, secure working conditions apply, and therefore the collective agreement is an important piece of the puzzle.
Collective agreements are binding. Doesn’t that limit your employees’ chances of enjoying good working conditions?
– The collective agreement acts as a floor and not as a ceiling. We still set individual salaries and offer all our employees benefits over and above what is stipulated in the collective agreement. For example, our employees receive a yearly profit-based bonus, and some of the employees are partners, which means special opportunities to have a say in the company’s
Does membership entail anything else for New Republic?
– The collective agreement was the most important reason for becoming members of Almega Service Associations and with that the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise. We also benefit hugely from access to employer advice and services. We attach great importance to the work of Almega Service Associations and the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise to improve business conditions in Sweden.
‘Three Quick Questions…’ is a series of interviews conducted by New Republic.