Turkish delegation explores Scandinavian experience on workplace compliance and Social Dialogue
A study visit offered an opportunity to observe best practices in Sweden and strengthen institutional cooperation.
3 September 2025
STOCKHOLM (ILO News) – Within the framework of the “Strengthening Workplace Compliance through Labour Inspection, Guidance and Social Dialogue Project”, implemented in cooperation with the International Labour Organization (ILO) Office for Türkiye and the Directorate General of Guidance and Inspection of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (RTB) and funded by the European Union, a study visit to Sweden was organized from 25–29 August 2025.
The delegation, consisting of the RTB President, chief labour inspectors, and representatives from Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions, Turkish Confederation of Employer Associations, and ILO, examined on-site how compliance with labour legislation in Sweden is developed along the axes of preventive safety culture, technology, research, data-supported inspection mechanisms, and social dialogue.
During the study visit, the delegation held meetings with the Swedish Ministry of Employment, Swedish Work Environment Authority, Swedish Work Environment Expertise Institution, Swedish Trade Union Confederation, Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees, Healthy Work Life Initiative, Confederation of Swedish Enterprise, National Mediation Institute, and Construction Safety Park. The delegation also visited the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Stockholm to discuss opportunities for cooperation on labour matters between the two countries.
Preventive safety practices and data-based inspection highlighted
The visit examined how compliance with labour legislation is developed through preventive safety culture, technology, research, and data-supported inspection mechanisms, as well as social dialogue. The effects of atypical employment, such as platform work, short-term or remote work, and digitalization on labour inspection were also discussed. The active role of trade unions in administrative matters, such as payment of wages, granting of leave, and overtime, was emphasized, while it was noted that these issues are largely regulated by collective agreements, usually without the need for inspector intervention.
Additionally, workplace safety representatives, required in workplaces employing at least five workers, authorized by the union, and having the power to halt work, were highlighted for their critical role in implementing occupational health and safety measures.
Discussions also included information on current research for evidence-based policy-making and monitoring emerging risks, including psychosocial risks, ergonomics, chemical/biological hazards, and occupational health and safety risks related to climate change.
Effective role of social partners
Meetings with the Swedish Trade Union Confederation and the Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees addressed the high unionization rate, the role of collective agreements in workplace compliance, and psychosocial risks for white-collar workers. At the Healthy Work Life Initiative meeting, joint preventive initiatives of social partners in municipal services were examined. In the meeting with the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise, employers’ approaches to compliance, productivity, and fair competition were discussed, along with contributions of joint occupational health and safety initiatives and mechanisms for participation in national policy processes.
On-site practical learning: Safety Park
The study visit also provided participants with an opportunity to experience a centre, funded by employer organizations, which combines knowledge and practice through applied occupational health and safety tools, such as working at heights, working in confined spaces, machine safety, and incident simulations.
Preventive culture and multi-stakeholder cooperation in workplace compliance
The visit emphasized high unionization and collective agreement rates, as well as the active role of labour and employer organizations. Concrete lessons were drawn on the importance of spreading a preventive safety culture through workplace safety representatives and social dialogue. The findings are expected to contribute directly to strengthening workplace compliance in Turkey within the framework of the “Strengthening Workplace Compliance through Labour Inspection, Guidance and Social Dialogue Project.”