The issue of statutory minimum wages: Views among Nordic trade unions
Economic and Industrial Democracy
2020
41
2
May
419-435
minimum wage ; trade union ; trade union attitude
Denmark ; Finland ; Iceland ; Norway ; Sweden
Wages and wage payment systems
https://doi.org/10.1177/0143831X17711769
English
Bibliogr.;Statistics
"Nordic trade unions are known to be sceptical of statutory minimum wages. The peak level organizations are generally against legislation, as they believe that their model of bargaining is preferable. In contrast, trade unions in many other parts of Europe find it necessary with statutory minimum wages to protect all workers and not just the unionized. Legislation can also be considered a way of preventing wage dumping and avoiding poverty. This article explores the attitudes among Nordic trade unions below the central/confederate level. The empirical basis is a survey of a large number of organizations in the five countries. The data show a great deal of scepticism towards statutory minimum wages, but some responding organizations recognize certain benefits. It is concluded that Swedish unions are most sceptical of the possible advantages of legislation, whereas in regard to attributed disadvantages Norwegian but also Danish unions are most inclined to agree. Type of industry and size of the organization are other factors with some impact on attitudes towards statutory minimum wages."
Digital
The ETUI is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the ETUI.