Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/173974 
Year of Publication: 
2017
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 11064
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
Using data from the representative IAB Establishment Panel, this paper charts changes in the two main pillars of the German IR model over the last 20 years. It shows that collective bargaining coverage and worker representation via works councils have substantially fallen outside the public sector. Less formalized and weaker institutions such as voluntary orientation of uncovered firms towards sectoral agreements and alternative forms of employee representation at the workplace have partly attenuated the overall erosion in coverage. Multivariate analyses indicate that the traditional German IR model (with both collective agreements and works council presence) is more likely to be found in larger and older establishments, and it is less likely in establishments managed by the owner, in single and foreign-owned establishments, in individually-owned firms or partnerships, and in exporting establishments. In contrast, more than 60 percent of German establishments did not exhibit bargaining coverage or orientation or any kind of worker representation in 2015. Such a complete absence of the main institutional features of the German IR model is predominantly found in small and medium-sized establishments, in particular in the service sector and in eastern Germany, and its extent is increasing dramatically.
Subjects: 
collective bargaining
bargaining coverage
works council
worker participation
industrial relations
Germany
JEL: 
J50
J52
J53
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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