Varieties of organised decentralisation across sectors in Denmark: A company perspective

Abstract

The decentralisation of European collective bargaining has been subject to much research and IR modelling. However, these studies mainly focus on the implications for national and sectoral bargaining institutions and rarely include a company perspective. Based on cross-sectional representative survey data among managers and shop stewards in Denmark, this paper offers a fresh perspective on the recent decentralisation process. We explore if company-based bargaining structures are in place and whether local social partners have utilised these bargaining opportunities across distinct sectors after decades of decentralisation. Analytically, we seek inspiration from Visser's (2016) distinct forms of organised decentralisation and combine these with insights from the broader literature on IR and institutional change. We find that bargaining practices and institutions at company level depend on a combination of provisions for company-based wage bargaining within individual sector agreements and strong union-affiliated workplace representation.

Collectivising services: a path to trade union renewal in Europe

“…Registration is open to both union and non-union members, with fees applicable for new assignments. Part-time union employees ensure its proper functioning (Larsen et al, 2022). Launched in 2017 as a grass-roots initiative, later backed by DM (Danish Association of Masters and PhDs), Flexwerker has evolved into an employee-owned cooperative overseen by a team of five.…”

“…To achieve this, it arranges workshops, publishes a magazine, podcasts and digital media content, and facilitates network activities, often in collaboration with DM. Notably, workshops are accessible to all, irrespective of union membership (Larsen et al, 2022). Both cases aim for membership renewal in the context of high but declining union density (Larsen et al, 2022).…”

“…Notably, workshops are accessible to all, irrespective of union membership (Larsen et al, 2022). Both cases aim for membership renewal in the context of high but declining union density (Larsen et al, 2022).…”

“…For comprehensive information on case selection, methodological tools and a comparative analysis of research results, seeBellini et al (2022b). For in-depth findings in individual countries, seeBellini et al (2022a),Blažienė et al (2022),Kelemen and Lenaerts (2022),Larsen et al (2022), andMolina and Godino (2022). Additional information is available here: https://www.breakback.cisl.it.…”