Union Inclusiveness and Temporary Agency Workers: The Role of Power Resources and Union Ideology
European Journal of Industrial Relations, 22 (1). pp. 5-22. (2016) ISSN 0959-6801
18 Pages Posted: 2 Apr 2016 Last revised: 16 Sep 2016
Date Written: March 1, 2016
Abstract
This article investigates the determinants of union inclusiveness towards agency workers in Western Europe, using an index which combines unionization rates with dimensions of collective agreements covering agency workers. Using fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis, we identify two combinations of conditions leading to inclusiveness: the ‘Northern path’ includes high union density, high bargaining coverage and high union authority, and is consistent with the power resources approach. The ‘Southern path’ combines high union authority, high bargaining coverage, statutory regulations of agency work and working-class orientation, showing that ideology rather than institutional incentives shapes union strategies towards the marginal workforce.
Keywords: Agency workers, dualization, Ghent, identity, ideology, Italy, Southern Europe, union strategies
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