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The issue of statutory minimum wages: Views among Nordic trade unions

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  • Bengt FurÃ¥ker

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Bengt FurÃ¥ker, 2020. "The issue of statutory minimum wages: Views among Nordic trade unions," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 41(2), pages 419-435, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:41:y:2020:i:2:p:419-435
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X17711769
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Larsson, Bengt & Bengtsson, Mattias & Lovén Seldén, Kristina, 2012. "Transnational Trade Union Cooperation in the Nordic Countries," management revue - Socio-Economic Studies, Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG, vol. 23(1), pages 32-48.
    2. Marius R. Busemeyer & Christian Kellermann & Alexander Petring & Andrej Stuchlík, 2008. "Overstretching solidarity? Trade unions' national perspectives on the European economic and social model," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 14(3), pages 435-452, August.
    3. Per Skedinger, 2010. "Sweden: A Minimum Wage Model in Need of Modification," Chapters, in: Daniel Vaughan-Whitehead (ed.), The Minimum Wage Revisited in the Enlarged EU, chapter 12, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    4. Larsson, Bengt & Bengtsson, Mattias & Lovén Seldén, Kristina, 2012. "Transnational Trade Union Cooperation in the Nordic Countries," management revue. Socio-economic Studies, Rainer Hampp Verlag, vol. 23(1), pages 32-48.
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