Rail road related objects are on display, you can see working clothes and a big watch. — Photo: Lovisa Brämming/Järnvägsmuseet CC-BY

The People of the Railway

Here we meet the people who worked on the railway, which was Sweden’s largest employer at the time.

A girl is standning in front of a exhibition and listening to an audio track — Photo: Lovisa Brämming/Järnvägsmuseet CC-BY

Sweden’s largest employer

Many new trades and professions emerge thanks to the railway. It is not unusual for several generations of the same family to be railway workers. Being a “railwayman” is a strong professional identity.

For men, it is possible to turn this work into a career. Unfortunately, women do not have the same opportunities.

The railway is an attractive place to work. There are great benefits, such as free travel, rent allowance and even free housing. Other benefits include free medical care and medicine.

In the first half of the 20th century, SJ is Sweden’s largest employer.