Sickness Absence and Works Councils: Evidence from German Individual and Linked Employer-Employee Data
33 Pages Posted: 21 Oct 2014
Date Written: October 2014
Abstract
Using both household and linked employer-employee data for Germany, we assess the effects of non-union representation in the form of works councils on (1) individual sickness absence rates and (2) a subjective measure of personnel problems due to sickness absence as perceived by a firm's management. We find that the existence of a works council is positively correlated with the incidence and the annual duration of absence. We observe a more pronounced correlation in western Germany which can also be interpreted causally. Further, personnel problems due to absence are more likely to occur in plants with a works council.
Keywords: Absenteeism, LIAB, personnel problems, sickness absence, SOEP, works councils
JEL Classification: J53, I18, M54
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation