Labor Unions

As a PhD student at Chalmers, you can join a trade/labor union. 

Therefore, it is worth considering a membership in one of the employee unions that support doctoral students. They not only champion your rights as employees but also provide valuable practical benefits. From guidance on work environment issues, access to unemployment benefits, insurance, and other perks, they can be an important safety mechanism during your doctoral journey.

A trade union is a type of association that works to improve working conditions. These can cover issues like salary, employment terms, safety of the work environment, and opportunities for in-service training in Sweden.

Examples of Unions you should have a look at:

• SULF, Sveriges universitetslärare och forskare

• Sveriges ingenjörer (Engineers of Sweden)

• Fackförbundet ST

Remember to read their content and offers carefully as they all target different publics.

Why is important to join a union?

Chalmers as an employer must comply with Swedish labor laws and regulations. While we should have faith in the Univerity and its ressources to do their best to align with these laws and regulations - Better Save Than Sorry. Trade unions are therefore well-versed in your rights as an employee, but also Doctoral Student, the collective agreements in place, and Chalmers obligations.

OBS - Joining a Union is comparable with signing an insuarance. That meansyou need to be a member before you get any type of problem at your workplace. The unions have minimum membership times that you have to be a member in order to seek their help. However, in the meantime, you can still receive guidance on issues as a new member.

Important Note

Apart from legal advice and support you should sign up for Akademikernas a-kassa which is an unemployment insurance.