Islands in the stream? The challenges and resilience of the Danish industrial relations model in a liberalising world

Abstract

Nordic industrial relations models have often been highlighted as being successful ‘highroads’ in advanced capitalism. However, the economic crisis has increased pressures to liberalise and deregulate labour markets. Although this challenges the Danish industrial relations model, there are several countermeasures, in particular strong unions and the supportive institutional context, which have prevented erosion indicating the resilience and adaptability of the model.

Hard times in latte land? Analysing pay and working time in the café industry in France, Norway and the UK

“…Although the sector has long been considered an important analytical category in industrial relations (Hollingsworth and Streeck, 1994), rather less attention has focused on the relationship between national institutions and the extent of internal country diversity. There is evidence that some countries may be more resilient to sector pressures (Refslund and Sørensen, 2016) retaining greater homogeneity in institutions. Bechter et al (2012: 194) claim that for the Nordic countries and France, it would 'appear legitimate to speak of national models' of industrial relations, compared to other countries with more mixed patterns.…”

Collectivism and employment relations in Denmark: underpinning economic and social success

“…Likewise, the risk management approach clearly has operational implications but the health and safety approaches are well established and have continued to underpin regulatory requirements (Dyreborg 2011). Frequent adjustments of operational approaches have grown as the Danish economy has become more integrated in the world economy and as international innovative and disruptive technological and market changes have called for nimble organisational responses (Refslund and Sørensen 2016). While health and safety concerns have grown recently there has also been a stronger emphasis on leveraging health and safety improvements to bolster productivity levels and reduce cost levels (Grimshaw et al 2017).…”

Social partners' levers: job quality and industrial relations in the waste sector in three small European countries

“…Denmark represents the inclusive model. The degree of trade union membership is high (70–80 per cent) (Refslund and Sørensen, ). Conflicts are institutionalised, and Denmark has a well‐established pattern of cooperation fostering industrial peace and stability based on minimal legislation regarding the regulation of the Danish labour market.…”