Workers and environmentalists of the world unite? A thematic analysis of labour-environmental alliance building in Sweden

Abstract

Alliance building between environmentalists and trade unions has been acknowledged by researchers as important for a socio-ecological transformation towards a sustainable society, yet it remains an understudied phenomenon. Sweden provides an interesting case, as it has one of the most highly organised labour forces in the world but has had limited engagement with the environmental movement. This study explores alliance building in Sweden between these movements, the strategies they employ, and the challenges they face. Data were gathered using semi-structured interviews with seven individuals involved in alliances between the movements: three from different Swedish trade unions and four from Swedish environmental organisations. In addition, environmental and climate policy documents, as well as transition strategies from the unions and environmental organisations, were analysed. In order to identify sources of friction or ideological overlap between the movements the material was examined using an ideological scheme and guided by a thematic analysis. The analysis was contextualised using a set of potential factors important for alliance building identified in previous research. The findings include a description of various strategies attempted in the Swedish context and confirm earlier research, indicating that the institutionalisation of unions presents a challenge for alliance building, with Sweden having one of the most institutionalised union movements in the world. The main transition strategy – inspired by ecomodernism – focusing on green growth and technological change pursued by the blue-collar union LO also creates friction with the environmental movement. Additionally, the potential presence of environmental classism within the Swedish environmental movement could pose an obstacle to alliance building and coalition formation. Finally, a set of suggestions is proposed to help bridge the divide between environmentalists and workers in Sweden.