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Collective agreement coverage or union representation refers to the proportion of people in a country population whose terms and conditions at work are made by collective bargaining, between an employer and a trade union, rather than by individual contracts. This is invariably higher than the union membership rate, because collective agreements almost always protect non-members in a unionised workplace. This means that, rather than individuals who have weaker bargaining power representing themselves in negotiations, people organise to represent each other together when negotiating for better pay and conditions in their workplace. The number of people who are covered by collective agreements is higher than the number of union members (or the "union density" rate), and in many cases substantially higher, because when trade unions make collective agreements they aim to cover everyone at work, even those who have not necessarily joined for membership.
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Certainly, the causes of higher or lower collective bargaining coverage can vary and are subject to debate. Some common factors that are often identified as influencing the extent of collective bargaining coverage include:
- Legal and Regulatory Framework: The legal framework surrounding labor relations, including laws governing unionization and collective bargaining rights, can significantly impact the level of coverage. For example, countries with more permissive labor laws may see higher rates of unionization and collective bargaining coverage.
- Economic Conditions: Economic factors such as unemployment rates, economic growth, and industry composition can influence the bargaining power of workers and unions. In times of economic prosperity, workers may have more leverage to negotiate for better wages and working conditions, leading to higher collective bargaining coverage. Conversely, during economic downturns, union membership and bargaining coverage may decrease as companies face financial pressures and workers may be more hesitant to push for concessions.
- Labor Market Flexibility: The degree of labor market flexibility, including factors such as the prevalence of temporary or precarious employment, can affect the ability of workers to organize and engage in collective bargaining. Countries with more flexible labor markets may see lower levels of collective bargaining coverage, as workers may face greater challenges in unionizing and negotiating with employers.
- Social and Cultural Factors: Social attitudes towards unions and collective bargaining, as well as cultural norms regarding work and labor relations, can play a significant role. In countries where unions are deeply ingrained in the social fabric and enjoy broad public support, collective bargaining coverage may be higher. Conversely, in societies where unions are viewed negatively or where individualism is valued over collective action, coverage may be lower.
- Employer Behavior: The stance of employers towards unions and collective bargaining can also impact coverage levels. Employers' attitudes towards unionization, their willingness to engage in collective bargaining, and their use of anti-union tactics can all influence the extent to which workers are covered by collective bargaining agreements.
- Union Strength and Tactics: The strength and tactics of labor unions themselves can affect collective bargaining coverage. Strong, well-organized unions with effective bargaining strategies are more likely to secure collective bargaining agreements and higher levels of coverage for their members.
- Globalization and Technological Change: Globalization and technological advancements can also shape collective bargaining coverage. Changes in the structure of industries, outsourcing of jobs, and increased competition from international markets can impact the bargaining power of workers and unions, potentially leading to shifts in collective bargaining coverage.
These factors interact in complex ways and can vary significantly across countries and regions, contributing to ongoing debates about the causes and consequences of collective bargaining coverage levels.
