Power, Trust and Deliberation in Swedish Labour Market Politics

Abstract

The article focuses on the following aspects of labour market relations: To what extent do main actors share key opinions? Which actors are considered influential? Who is trusted by whom, and how much? Does communication take the character of deliberation? Since relational data in industrial relations are rare, 71 Swedish organizations involved in industrial relations were asked about each other (representing a total of 770 individuals in key positions in these organizations). Asserted changes as regards power in the Swedish industrial relations system seem overestimated. The state still holds the key positions. The principal labour relations organizations and the Social Democratic Party are also influential, although less than the ministries. All these powerful actors are trusted less over class borders, while the Labour Court and the Conciliators' Office are considered trustworthy, rational 'deliberators'. It is hypothesized that they produce 'the cement of society' that holds the system together.

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