The Archive, which Svahn claims is the largest of its kind, relies on both
volunteers and paid workers to maintain its collection"
"When I compare us with many other phase three employers," says
Svahn. "I can see that we are very far ahead of them. We are doing a
real job – not just keeping people busy. I can understand that people
are wondering, but we are very good employers. We even gave them
bonuses for Christmas. I don't think too many Phase Three employers
do that."
He says the Archive uses the money they get from the State to employ
these people (roughly $280/day) in order to invest in creating a proper
working environment for them.
"That money has made it possible for us to buy . . . new computers, to
expand, and get these things done that we never thought we could do
before," he says."
"Responding to a question about whether it is appropriate for State
money to help fund the Archive's activities, Svahn responds that his is
a bona fide enterprise.
"We have been investigated by the unemployment agency a couple of
times. They consider us one of the best employers in Norrköping... We
are giving those persons a job that they consider important. They are
learning things, we are teaching them new skills, we are taking good
care of them," he says."
"He underlines that the only people earning any money at the Archive
are those who have come in from the Employment Agency."
