Describes Sweden's massive effort to bring democracy to the workplace through programs of worker education and participation in industrial decision making. Stresses that the United States can learn much from the Swedish workplace education experience. (Author/MJL)

This paper presents an overview of labor relations in Sweden from the mid-19th century until the present. It begins with some basic facts about Swedish history, population, economy, and geography, then describes the historical background of labor union organization in the country. The paper then outlines the various types of trade unions in…

After describing Sweden's economic and political background, the author discusses its industrial democracy--workers' participation in management--and labor legislation, particularly the Act on Employee Participation in Decision-Making effective January 1, 1977. Contrasts beliefs in the unions' possible stranglehold of industry in co-determination…