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Labour market collectivism: New solidarities of highly skilled freelance workers in medicine, IT and the film industry

Author

Listed:
  • Birgit Apitzsch

    (Ruhr University Bochum, Germany)

  • Maximiliane Wilkesmann

    (TU Dortmund University, Germany)

  • Caroline Ruiner

    (Universität Hohenheim, Germany)

  • Mona Bassyiouny

    (TU Dortmund University, Germany)

  • Ronny Ehlen

    (Universität Hohenheim, Germany)

  • Lena Schulz

    (Sociological Research Institute Gottingen, Germany)

Abstract

Highly skilled freelance workers are mainly depicted as a challenge to trade unionism because of their mobility, market power and specific interests in organisational support. The authors explore the manifestations of collectivism of highly skilled freelance workers on the basis of semi-structured interviews with 14 highly skilled freelancers and 35 representatives of intermediaries such as trade unions, professional associations, staffing agencies and cooperatives in medicine, IT and film in Germany. The results reveal new forms and dynamics of labour market collectivism arising from concurrent conflicts and negotiations of job access and working conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Birgit Apitzsch & Maximiliane Wilkesmann & Caroline Ruiner & Mona Bassyiouny & Ronny Ehlen & Lena Schulz, 2023. "Labour market collectivism: New solidarities of highly skilled freelance workers in medicine, IT and the film industry," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 44(4), pages 1149-1175, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:44:y:2023:i:4:p:1149-1175
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X221120534
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    References listed on IDEAS

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