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Conciliation, mediation and arbitration in collective bargaining in Western Europe: In search of control

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  • Christian Lyhne Ibsen

Abstract

Dispute resolution by third parties is a cornerstone of national industrial relations systems across Europe. However, the formal powers of the institutions of conciliation, mediation and arbitration vary considerably across countries. I aim to explain the existence of strong third-party intervention across 17 Western European countries, using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis. I test two hypotheses: first, that strong institutions are established to control collective bargaining when unions are powerful but fragmented; second, that strong institutions reflect legal traditions that use civil courts rather than specialized labour courts. The analysis supports the first hypothesis but not the second. Recent reforms since the Great Recession in Southern European countries further corroborate this finding.

Suggested Citation

  • Christian Lyhne Ibsen, 2021. "Conciliation, mediation and arbitration in collective bargaining in Western Europe: In search of control," European Journal of Industrial Relations, , vol. 27(1), pages 23-39, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:eurjou:v:27:y:2021:i:1:p:23-39
    DOI: 10.1177/0959680119853997
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Christian Lyhne Ibsen, 2016. "The Role of Mediation Institutions in Sweden and Denmark after Centralized Bargaining," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 54(2), pages 285-310, June.
    2. Karen Mumford, 1996. "Arbitration and ACAS in Britain: a Historical Perspective," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 34(2), pages 287-305, June.
    3. Martin, Cathie Jo & Swank, Duane, 2008. "The Political Origins of Coordinated Capitalism: Business Organizations, Party Systems, and State Structure in the Age of Innocence," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 102(2), pages 181-198, May.
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