Source: WSI
: WSI Mitteilungen
"WSI-Mitteilungen" is a scientific journal providing up-to-date information on the results of research on current issues of relevance to trade unions. It is aimed primarily at the academic and business communities, trade unionists and policymakers.
The journal is published in German language six times a year. For all articles, abstracts are available in English.
More about the journal | Archive (Abstracts) |
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Issue 04/2024
WSI-Mitteilungen 4/2024, pp. 243–251
André Holtrup
Securing a Supply of Skilled Labour in the Construction Industry – Challenges for Labour Policy
Abstract
The construction industry plays a key role in providing infrastructure for digitalisation and the energy transition, creating sufficient living space as well as the energy efficiency renovation of existing buildings. Even if the construction industry has stalled since 2023, there is nevertheless a huge long-term demand for construction services. A noticeable shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry can currently be observed. So far there has been little discussion about the reasons for this shortage or how working and employment conditions need to be designed in order to attract more people to work in the industry and retain them in the long term. This article aims to fill this research gap for an industry that receives little attention in the sociological discussion. An overview of central labour policy issues is provided, which can be classified under the specific conditions of the construction industry. As part of a broader skilled worker strategy, more secure employment prospects, higher incomes, more flexible working hours and more diverse entry and development opportunities are on the agenda. more … (in German)
WSI-Mitteilungen 4/2024, pp. 252–261
Jorin vom Bruch, Jan Zipperling, Johanna Sittel
Digital Transformation and Divergent Production Models in the Construction Industry
Abstract
This article focuses on processes of digital transformation within the construction industry, of which little research has been carried out within the field of the sociology of work. Relying on the regulation approach of production models, an actor- and power-centered analysis is carried out. Two differing production models are described in order to exemplify heterogeneous processes of digitalisation. The empirical foundation consists of problem-centered interviews with different actors within the construction industry and an intensive case study of a micro-enterprise. The trajectories of digitalisation and strategies diverge considerably between large, capital-intensive companies on the one hand and small less well-funded businesses on the other. The dominant production models within the construction industry can be perceived as complementary parts of a sector that provides specific dependencies and ramifications in regard to processes of digitalisation. more … (in German)
WSI-Mitteilungen 4/2024, pp. 262–272
Andreas Koch, Marcel Reiner, Tobias Scheu
The Minimum Wage in Practice. Effects on Wage Structures, Work Organisation and (Non)Compliance
Abstract
Three qualitative empirical studies were conducted in 2017, 2019 and 2021 to analyse the behavioural patterns and adjustment strategies of firms and employees to the introduction and increase of the minimum wage in Germany. This article takes up selected results from these studies and examines how firms react to the minimum wage-related changes and what consequences this has for employees. The focus is on three aspects: (1) changes in internal wage structures as a result of the minimum wage, (2) organisational changes within firms to increase productivity in order to compensate for increases in wage costs, and (3) compliance with the provisions of the minimum wage law. Interviews with managers, employees and works councils are used to explore these issues in greater depth, focusing on the motivations and reasons for certain behaviours. From the results, the authors draw conclusions for current and future minimum wage increases. more … (in German)
WSI-Mitteilungen 4/2024, pp. 273–288
Thilo Janssen, Malte Lübker
WSI European Collective Bargaining Report – 2023/2024: Real Wages still Need to Catch up after Crisis Losses
Abstract
Despite the 5.7 % rise in nominal wages, real wages in the European Union fell by a further 0.6 % in 2023. Following the drop of 4.2 % in 2022, this means another year of losses for workers. The reason for this is that inflation has remained elevated in the past year. The analysis shows that employees have absorbed a large part of the terms of trade shock through falling real wages, while companies have contributed significantly to domestic inflation through rising profit margins. A comparison with the European Commission’s autumn 2021 forecast illustrates the extent to which real wages have fallen as a result of the crisis: In 2022, real wages were 5.3 % below the forecast value, and in 2023 by as much as 7.2 %. In Germany, the slump is similarly pronounced. For the current year 2024, a recovery in real wages is expected. This stabilises the functional distribution between labour and capital and strengthens domestic demand. However, due to the cumulative losses of previous years, wages still need to catch up further. more … (in German)
WSI-Mitteilungen 4/2024, pp. 289–295
Christian Hohendanner, Susanne Kohaut
Collective Bargaining Coverage and Company-level Representation of Interests: Data from the IAB Establishment Panel 2023
Abstract
Collective bargaining coverage and the representation by works and staff councils have gradually but steadily declined in recent years. In 2023, around 44 % of employees in western Germany and around 31 % of employees in eastern Germany worked in a workplace that was subject to a sectoral collective agreement. In-house collective agreements applied to 7 % of employees in western Germany and 14 % in eastern Germany. A similar picture emerges regarding co-determination in establishments: in 2023, around 42 % of west German employees and 37 % of east German employees still worked in establishments with a works council or staff council. more … (in German)
WSI-Mitteilungen 4/2024, pp. 296–304
Jan-Torge Daus, Julius Kötter, Claudia Niewerth, Riema Repp, Sandra Schaffarczik, Manfred Wannöffel
“There’s Really a Lot Lost!” – Employee Representation under Remote Conditions
Abstract
In the wake of the Covid 19 pandemic, works councils and staff councils established new digital work and meeting formats, which posed challenges for those concerned, especially in view of a partly uncertain legal situation. Within the framework of a mixed-methods study, this article deals with the question of how the work carried out by works and staff councillors changes in the context of remote working. It analyses how co-determination actors perceive and evaluate these changes and what consequences this can have for co-determination practice. more … (in German)
WSI-Mitteilungen 4/2024, pp. 305–309
Matthias Gruss
“Collective Wage Obligation” in Long-term Care: No Way to Increase Collective Bargaining Coverage
Abstract
The demand for professional nursing care has risen sharply in recent years and will continue to rise in the future. In order to attract enough people to the nursing profession now and in the future, it is necessary to make it more attractive. One key factor is the pay of carers. Over the past 14 years, a number of measures have been taken which have contributed to an increase in salaries, but not to a sufficient extent. It has not been possible to increase collective bargaining coverage as a result. The so-called “collective wage obligation” introduced with the Healthcare Further Development Act, which has been in force since September 2022, also reveals itself to be a fraudulent labelling scheme. Far from rendering collective agreements obsolete, it shows why they are more important than ever. A revision of the legal requirements is necessary. more … (in German)
WSI-Mitteilungen 4/2024, pp. 310–312
Dorothee Spannagel, Jan Brülle
Poverty is relative!
Abstract
Poverty cannot be determined objectively; it is necessarily based on normative preconceptions. Any concept of poverty must therefore be defined in a public-scientific discourse. Currently this discourse is at least partly drifting back to an idea of absolute poverty that was thought to be over, poverty is sometimes played down as “low income”. The article picks up on that discourse and shows: Poverty can only be defined relative to a given social situation. In a wealthy society like that of Germany, poverty is always tied to social participation. The article explains why this must be the case. more … (in German)
WSI-Mitteilungen 4/2024, pp. 313–314
Frank Bsirske
Work Must not Cause Poverty! Proposals for Reforming the Minimum Wage Law
Abstract
The Green parliamentary group criticises the current minimum wage as being too low and calls for a reform of the Minimum Wage Act to ensure decent wages. According to the reform proposals, the minimum wage should be at least 60 percent of the median wage of full-time employees, which corresponds to an hourly rate of around 14 euros for the year 2024. This reference value of 60 percent of the median wage is also anchored in the new EU Minimum Wage Directive. Additionally, the proposals aim to make the decisions of the Minimum Wage Commission more consensus-oriented and introduce annual adjustments to enable faster responses to economic developments. more … (in German)
WSI-Mitteilungen 4/2024, pp. 315–316
Tanja Bergrath
Europe after the elections. What trade unions need to do next
Abstract
Major changes are emerging in the European institutions following the European elections: Right-wing and right-wing-conservative parties have gained influence in the European Parliament, while the left-progressive spectrum has lost votes. The EU agenda will be realigned, and geopolitical risks and the resulting economic issues will be even more present than before. Especially when circumstances change and new priorities are set, trade unions must be vocal in contributing their expertise to ensure that workers' interests remain in focus and that the European Union becomes more social and just. more … (in German)
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