Patterns of transnational trade union cooperation in Europe: The effect of regimes, sectors and resources

an article by Patrik Vulkan and Bengt Larsson (Göteborgs Universitet, Sweden) published in European Journal of Industrial Relations Volume 25 Issue 2 (June 2019)

Abstract

How far, in what ways and on what issues do trade unions in Europe cooperate cross-nationally?

Three important structural factors may explain differences in cooperation:

• national industrial relations contexts,
• sectoral contexts and
• unions’ organizational resources.

We examine transnational union cooperation at sectoral level, and test the explanatory value of these three factors. We address cooperation in five broad sectors, using a Europe-wide questionnaire-based survey of trade union activities.

We find that sectoral differences explain more of the variation in levels of transnational cooperation than do industrial relations regimes when controlling for resources, whereas both sectors and regimes influence which issues are seen as important for current and future cooperation.

In addition, small trade unions engage in much less transnational cooperation than large ones.

Full text (PDF 16pp)

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Low-pay sectors, earnings mobility and economic policy in the UK

an article by Neil Lee (London School of Economics and Political Science, UK), Anne Green (University of Birmingham, UK) and Paul Sissons (Coventry University, UK) published in Policy & Politics Volume 46 Number 3 (July 2018)

Abstract

Low pay is a significant and growing issue in many developed economies. Sectoral approaches are often used in both economic development and labour market policy, yet there is little evidence on how low pay and earnings mobility vary by sector.

This article investigates this issue in the UK.

It shows pronounced sectoral variations in low pay and earnings mobility. It highlights the policy implications of growth in large, low paying sectors. While policymakers have focused on high-wage, high-skill sectors, efforts to improve productivity in low-wage sectors could improve living standards and the UK's economic performance.

Full text (PDF 23pp)

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