This was particularly evident during my four years as President of the European Trade Union Confederation. During this period, I learned how important it is to be aware of our different national conditions. It is through an understanding of both mutual and national matters that we may find common European solutions that will strengthen the trade union movement overall. It is a question of showing respect and being prepared to learn from each other. If we respect each other's differences and work for common solutions while at the same time recognising our diverse national characteristics, we will be able to grow stronger. The concept of a collective agreement and recognition of a common interest extend across all borders. The global trade union movement recognises that its own terms and conditions cannot be protected if others are forced to accept lower wages for their work. We have different union traditions and strategies – but our objectives are the same. The European trade union organisations face many challenges but the prospects of succeeding are good because we all share the same beliefs and ethos. A fragmented organisation is a weak organisation. If we are to progress in our union cooperation within the EU, we need to be united with our European colleagues. The widely-known Laval case showed that we must continue to fight for our union rights and against forces that seek to turn wage-earners against each other.
Trade union achievements and successes are not gained to last forever. However, our rights on the Swedish labour market must also be protected and reinforced. In our international work, we fight for equal opportunities for every employee. Consequently, our mission to protect and work in the best interests of our members is dependent on a transnational cooperation between trade unions. The situation of the Swedish labour force, both at work and in society, is affected by what is happening in the rest of the world. These days, not many union matters are exclusively on a national level. During my years as President of the Swedish Trade Union Confederation, the day-to-day work of the unions has increasingly been characterised by the European cooperation.
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