Title: More than One in Three Stores in Sweden Understaffed, Putting Burden on Employees
Introduction:
According to a recent survey conducted by the trade union Handels, over 36 percent of stores in Sweden are understaffed, causing significant challenges for employees. The poor working conditions and low full-time employment in the sector have resulted in many workers being forced to take extra shifts to make ends meet. Aftonbladet leaders suggest that these unfavorable working conditions, along with Swedes buying less food, contribute to large profits for store owners.
Article:
The study carried out by Handels reveals alarming statistics that highlight the extent of understaffing in Swedish stores. More than every third store, approximately 36 percent, suffers from staffing shortages, as reported by safety representatives of the trade union. This situation places enormous pressure on employees, affecting their well-being not only at work but also in their personal lives, as they struggle to find the necessary time for rest and recovery.
Furthermore, the employment conditions in the trade sector are far from satisfactory, with only 30 percent of workers being able to secure full-time positions. Moreover, employees who call in sick are often expected to compensate for their absence by working on their scheduled off days, thereby depriving them of much-needed rest. As a result, many workers feel compelled to accept such arrangements due to financial constraints and the need to maintain a livelihood.
While employees face these arduous conditions, store owners have been reaping significant profits, particularly large grocery chains. The profitability of the industry has been steadily increasing, with some stores doubling their profit margins between 2017 and 2021. In fact, last spring, ICA, one of the major food chains, distributed six billion kroner in secret extra dividends. Likewise, Axfood, the owner of Willys and Hemköp, recently reported an operating profit of SEK 1,095 million in its quarterly report.
Curiously, despite diminishing food sales, the owners continue to benefit from rising profits. Statistics Sweden has reported a decline in food purchases by Swedes, leading to speculation about possible connections between reduced food consumption, worsening working conditions, and increased profitability for store owners. The high prices of food products have also been cited as factors contributing to this phenomenon.
Conclusion:
The survey conducted by Handels reveals a distressing reality for store employees in Sweden, with more than one in three stores being understaffed. The combination of poor working conditions and a lack of full-time positions places a significant burden on workers, who often feel compelled to take extra shifts to sustain their livelihoods. Meanwhile, store owners continue to enjoy substantial profits, which further accentuates the disparity between employee well-being and corporate success. The impact of these conditions on food sales and prices indicates the interconnectivity of these factors, necessitating further examination and potential intervention to rectify the situation.