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Portrait Anders Kjellberg november 2022. Photo: Emma Lord.

Anders Kjellberg

Professor Emeritus

Portrait Anders Kjellberg november 2022. Photo: Emma Lord.

Changes in union density in the Nordic countries

Author

  • Anders Kjellberg

Summary, in English

Over the last 25 to 30 years, union density has experienced a significant decline in Denmark, Finland, and Sweden, while remaining relatively stable in Norway and completely unchanged in Iceland. In the first three countries, the weakening of Ghent systems (state-subsidised union unemployment funds) stands out as the primary factor contributing to union decline. In Sweden, this trend is further exacerbated by widening disparities between blue-collar and white-collar union density. This study analyses both the historically high union density in the Nordic region and the notable decline in certain countries, focusing on five key features of Nordic industrial relations and their evolution. Additionally, the impact of situational factors and social customs is explored. Particular emphasis is placed on newcomers to the labour market, specifically immigrants and young people. In Norway and Sweden, the substantial influx of recently arrived immigrants poses challenges for union recruitment efforts. To effectively engage with immigrants and young people, maintaining a strong union presence in the workplace is crucial.

Department/s

  • Sociology

Publishing year

2025-05-07

Language

English

Pages

123-149

Publication/Series

Nordic Economic Policy Review

Volume

2025

Issue

1

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

Nordiska ministerrådet

Topic

  • Sociology

Keywords

  • trade union
  • union
  • union density
  • Ghent system
  • situational factors
  • social customs
  • white-collar workers
  • blue-collar workers
  • unemployment fund
  • income insurance
  • immigrants
  • labour migrants
  • asylum seekers
  • refugees
  • Denmark
  • Finland
  • Norway
  • Sweden
  • Iceland
  • Nordic countries
  • tax reduction
  • tax deduction
  • collective agreement
  • state regulation
  • self-regulation
  • union workplace organisation
  • Swedish model
  • Nordic model
  • industrial relations
  • employers
  • strike rights
  • sociology
  • wage formation

Status

Published

Project

  • Den svenska modellen: fack, arbetsgivare och kollektivavtal

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 1904-8092