Description

The newspaper Arbetaren was founded in 1922 and soon set itself apart from the crowd with its libertarian perspective on democracy, the trade union struggle and equality. Over the years, Arbetaren has exposed corruption, scrutinised Nazis, highlighted the climate crisis and, at the same time, given significant space to culture. Its contributors include some of Sweden’s best-known working-class writers, cartoonists, artists and activists. In 2022, Arbetaren will celebrate its 100th anniversary. This book tells the story of the newspaper from its very first issue, through the bohemian newspaper district in old Klara, the major exposés during and after the Second World War, right up to today’s feminist and intersectional perspectives and trade union challenges. It features republished reports, unique photographs, illustrations, and newly written texts by more than 30 different writers – each with their own unique connection to Arbetaren. In addition, there are newly written profiles of staff members who, in various ways, have made significant contributions to free journalism and Swedish society as a whole: Albert Jensen, Elise Ottesen-Jensen, Stig Dagerman, Moa Martinson and Vilhelm Moberg. The history of the newspaper Arbetaren is the history of free journalism on the side of the workers. Arbetaren is published by Arbetaren Tidnings AB, which is owned by the trade union SAC Syndikalisterna. Syndicalism is a libertarian socialist branch of the labour movement that organises all professions into member-led trade unions. Arbetaren – 100 Years as a Free Newspaper is published by Federativs förlag to mark the newspaper’s centenary.