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Collective bargaining through the magnifying glass: A comparison between the Netherlands and Portugal

Author

Listed:
  • Alexander Hijzen

    (OECD and IZA)

  • Pedro S. Martins

    (Queen Mary University of London, NovaSBE and IZA)

  • Jante Parlevliet

    (De Nederlandsche Bank and University of Amsterdam)

Abstract

Since the global financial crisis, sector-level bargaining has come under renewed scrutiny. While in Southern Europe, the crisis raised concerns about the role of collective bargaining as an obstacle to labour market adjustment, in Northern Europe it was perceived more favourably and, according to some, may even have helped to weather the fallout of the crisis more easily. This paper seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of sector-level bargaining systems and their role for labour market performance. We compare two countries with seemingly similar collective bargaining systems, the Netherlands and Portugal, and document a number of features that may affect labour market outcomes, including: i) the scope for flexibility at the firm or worker level within sector-level agreements; ii) the emphasis on representativeness as a criterion for extensions; iii) the effectiveness of coordination across bargaining units; and iv) pro-active government policies to enhance trust and cooperation between the social partners.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexander Hijzen & Pedro S. Martins & Jante Parlevliet, 2017. "Collective bargaining through the magnifying glass: A comparison between the Netherlands and Portugal," GEE Papers 0089, Gabinete de Estratégia e Estudos, Ministério da Economia, revised Dec 2017.
    • Handle: RePEc:mde:wpaper:0089
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    File URL: https://www.gee.gov.pt/RePEc/WorkingPapers/GEE_PAPERS_89.pdf
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    Cited by:

    1. Dennie Oude Nijhuis, 2023. "Round Table. Implementing the EU Directive on adequate minimum wages in the Low Countries: the case of the Netherlands," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 29(4), pages 525-531, November.
    2. Romain Duval & Prakash Loungani, 2021. "Designing Labor Market Institutions in Emerging Market and Developing Economies: A Review of Evidence and IMF Policy Advice," Comparative Economic Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Association for Comparative Economic Studies, vol. 63(1), pages 31-83, March.
    3. Thommen, Yann, 2022. "Reforms of collective bargaining institutions in European Union countries: Bad timing, bad outcomes?," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 71(C).
    4. Marjoleine Hennis, 2022. "Par le Haut Ou Par les Pays‐Bas? French and Dutch Approaches to European Social Policy Coordination Compared," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 60(1), pages 136-151, January.

    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J5 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor-Management Relations, Trade Unions, and Collective Bargaining
    • P52 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Comparative Economic Systems - - - Comparative Studies of Particular Economies

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