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Have low-paid jobs increased in the Swedish labor market? Defining low pay in the context of the Nordic model

Author

Listed:
  • Johan Alfonsson

    (School of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, Halmstad University, Sweden; Department of Sociology and Work Science, University of Gothenburg, Sweden)

  • Tomas Berglund
  • Patrik Vulkan

    (Department of Sociology and Work Science, University of Gothenburg, Sweden)

Abstract

Can the Nordic wage-setting model, where social partners decide wages through collective agreements, counteract a growing low-paid sector? This article tests four definitions of low-paid jobs to analyze whether this sector has grown for the period 2005–2020 in Sweden. Despite policy changes pointing towards growth, all definitions show a slight decrease in low-paid jobs over time. The authors argue that the industrial relations system, with the aim of keeping the industry wage increases in check to aid export competitiveness, also sets a uniform level wage that limits low-paid jobs. It is also found that low pay in the Swedish setting is partly a result of working less than full-time or having unstable employment, and service workers and those with low education are becoming increasingly common in this position.

Suggested Citation

  • Johan Alfonsson & Tomas Berglund & Patrik Vulkan, 2024. "Have low-paid jobs increased in the Swedish labor market? Defining low pay in the context of the Nordic model," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 45(4), pages 1090-1111, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:45:y:2024:i:4:p:1090-1111
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X231215597
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    References listed on IDEAS

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