Does collective bargaining reduce health inequalities between labour market insiders and outsiders?

Abstract

Collective bargaining institutions are correlated with better population health. However, there are still major gaps in our understanding regarding the impact of collective bargaining on health inequalities, particularly between labour market ‘insiders’ and ‘outsiders’. In this study, we investigate the effect of collective bargaining coverage on individuals’ self-rated health, and whether the impact varies according to labour market status. We use four waves of the European Values Survey (1981–2018) and three-level nested random intercept models across 33 OECD and European countries (N = 66 301). We find that stronger and more inclusive collective bargaining institutions reduce health inequalities between the unemployed and the employed by disproportionately improving the health of the unemployed. This study implies that targeting the political institutions that shape the distribution of power and resources is important for reducing health inequalities.

Trade unions and mental health during an employment crisis. Evidence from the UK before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…A first set of studies, that is the most common among the literature pays attention to the relationship between union membership and health using cross-sectional, cross-sectorial or macro-level data. For instance, it has been recently demonstrated using comparative cross-sectional data that health inequalities are high when unions only represent part of the workforce but low when a high proportion of the workforce is unionized 5 . Similarly, high country trade union density (i.e., calculated based on union membership rates) is associated with lower depressive symptoms among the workforce 33 .…”

“…One of the reasons for conflicting results is the level of collective negotiation that is taken into consideration in explaining population health 4 . Whilst the general tendency would be to consider union membership – i.e., whether a worker is an actual member of a trade union – as the exposure 3,5 other studies have emphasised that the role of trade unions within workplaces goes beyond membership behaviours 4 . In that sense, unions would also contribute to explain the health of those who are not unionized 5 .…”

“…Whilst the general tendency would be to consider union membership – i.e., whether a worker is an actual member of a trade union – as the exposure 3,5 other studies have emphasised that the role of trade unions within workplaces goes beyond membership behaviours 4 . In that sense, unions would also contribute to explain the health of those who are not unionized 5 . When looking at the workforce, studies have underlined that union presence – that measures whether union representatives are involved in collective bargaining and health and safety committees at a workplace level – is a more relevant distinction because it includes the potential health benefits that affect those in a unionized workplace but who are not members of a trade union.…”

Social dialogue quality and workers’ health as perceived by Belgian trade union representatives during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…A first set of studies pays attention to the relationship between union membership and health using cross-sectional, cross-sectorial or macro-level data. For instance, Sochas and Reeves (Sochas & Reeves, 2022) have recently demonstrated using European comparative data that health inequalities are high when unions only represent part of the workforce but low when a high proportion of the workforce is unionized. Similarly, high-country trade union density is associated with lower depressive symptoms among the workforce (Reynolds & Buffel, 2020).…”