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Labour immigration and union strength

Author

Listed:
  • Henning Finseraas

    (Institute for Social Research, Oslo, Norway)

  • Marianne Røed

    (Institute for Social Research, Oslo, Norway)

  • PÃ¥l Schøne

Abstract

Is labour mobility in the European Union a threat to the strength of unions? We argue that the combination of cheap labour, workforce heterogeneity and low unionisation among labour immigrants is a potential challenge for unions. The challenge will be severe if immigration affects natives’ unionisation. We use Norwegian administrative data in a natural experiment framework to examine this claim. The 2004 European Union expansion led to a rapid increase in labour migration to the building and construction industry, but licensing demands protected some workers from the labour supply shock. We show negative labour market effects for workers exposed to labour immigration, but no effect on union membership. Our results question theories of unionisation and are relevant for research on immigration, political behaviour and collective action.

Suggested Citation

  • Henning Finseraas & Marianne Røed & PÃ¥l Schøne, 2020. "Labour immigration and union strength," European Union Politics, , vol. 21(1), pages 3-23, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:eeupol:v:21:y:2020:i:1:p:3-23
    DOI: 10.1177/1465116519881194
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. José-Ignacio Antón & René Böheim & Rudolf Winter-Ebmer, 2022. "The effect of migration on unionization in Austria," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 63(5), pages 2693-2720, November.
    3. Nikolas Dawson & Mary-Anne Williams & Marian-Andrei Rizoiu, 2021. "Skill-driven recommendations for job transition pathways," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(8), pages 1-20, August.
    4. Jane Parker & Janet Sayers & Amanda Young‐Hauser & Shirley Barnett & Patricia Loga & Selu Paea, 2022. "Gender and ethnic equity in Aotearoa New Zealand's public service before and since Covid‐19: Toward intersectional inclusion?," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(1), pages 110-130, January.
    5. Ademmer, Martin & Beckmann, Joscha & Bode, Eckhardt & Boysen-Hogrefe, Jens & Funke, Manuel & Hauber, Philipp & Heidland, Tobias & Hinz, Julian & Jannsen, Nils & Kooths, Stefan & Söder, Mareike & Stame, 2021. "Big Data in der makroökonomischen Analyse," Kieler Beiträge zur Wirtschaftspolitik 32, Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel).

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