According to the collective labour agreement covering the chemical industry, employers and employees can draw agreements regarding numerous specific issues listed in the general agreement. On a local level it is allowed for example to arrange flexible working times and travelling compensations. This creates much-needed flexibility into the work places. The local conditions can be taken into account in a way that benefits both the employer and the employee.

Local practices are defined between the employer or the employee or the employer and shop steward. The agreement can be drawn so that it covers a fixed period of time or that it is valid until otherwise agreed. The agreement, which is valid until otherwise agreed, can be discontinued after three months, unless other agreements concerning the terms of notice have been made. This practice complies with the general rules for terms of notice.

The agreement made between the shop steward and the employer is binding to the employer and all the employees represented by the shop steward. The agreement has to be made in writing whenever any of the contracting parties so wishes. If the agreement is made in writing, it then becomes part of the collective labour agreement and will be applied as such even after the validity of the labour agreement has otherwise ceased. Issues involving the company, its division or other larger work group have to be negotiated with the shop steward.