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The Flip Side of Organized Decentralization: Company‐Level Bargaining in Denmark
Author(s) -
Ilsøe Anna
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
british journal of industrial relations
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.665
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1467-8543
pISSN - 0007-1080
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-8543.2011.00875.x
Subject(s) - decentralization , negotiation , collective bargaining , reproduction , industrial relations , danish , business , industrial organization , bargaining power , economics , labour economics , market economy , microeconomics , management , political science , law , ecology , linguistics , philosophy , biology
Abstract The Danish collective bargaining system is often considered a good example of organized decentralization. It has been characterized as a centralized decentralization suggesting a reproduction of sector‐level bargaining relations at company level. A recent survey on company‐level bargaining in the Danish industrial sector confirms this hypothesis with regard to the experiences of local managers and shop stewards. However, part of the survey also questions whether the reproduction will continue in the future. Small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises and their employees tend to miss out on the mutual benefits obtained through company‐level agreements. Furthermore, shop stewards often find it difficult to gain employee support during negotiations, which jeopardizes their bargaining relations with management.