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) |
| Information for authors |
Issue 04/2025
WSI-MITTEILUNGEN 4/2025
Andreas Fischer
Transformation of Co-determination Practices in East Germany. Typical Patterns and Key Influencing Factors
Abstract
The study examines typical patterns of change in co-determination practices in East Germany since the early 1990s. Based on a qualitative panel study, it reconstructs, analyses and describes in detail the four transformation patterns of “consolidation”, “restoration”, “gradual transformation” and “crisis-induced change”. Economic conditions, ownership structures, privatisation processes and the related historical experiences of transformation prove to be key factors influencing the long-term development of co-determination in companies. The role of trade union strategies is ambivalent, as they only lead to a revitalisation of co-determination practices under specific conditions. The study contributes to closing a gap in co-determination research by linking historical and current developments, empirically reconstructing co-determination dynamics in a longitudinal analysis and providing differentiated insights into the specific challenges of East German co-determination practice. more … (in German)
WSI-MITTEILUNGEN 4/2025
Johannes Kiess, Andre Schmidt
Does Democratic Self-efficacy at the Workplace Protect Against Right-wing Extremism? A Comparison between East and West as well as 2020 and 2024
Abstract
Current studies discuss the possible democratisation effects of co-determination and participation at the workplace. These can counteract feelings of powerlessness and heteronomy in the world of work, which are seen as a breeding ground for anti-democratic attitudes. We contribute conceptually and empirically to this ongoing debate by, firstly, presenting our concept of democratic self-efficacy at the workplace and, secondly, examining the experience of control and influence at the workplace as a factor influencing right-wing extremist attitudes in East and West Germany. Thirdly, for the first time we present the development of this relationship over time. We confirm previous findings that the experience of democratic self-efficacy, even when controlling for a number of other factors, reduces agreement with extreme right-wing statements. However, the experience of democratic self-efficacy at the workplace has developed differently in East and West Germany since 2020, and approval of far-right attitudes also varies between the different parts of the country. more … (in German)
WSI-MITTEILUNGEN 4/2025
Jana York, Teresa Sartor, Sarah Lamb, Jan Jochmaring, Sarah Schulze, Jörg-Tobias Kuhn, Bastian Pelka
Single Contact Points for Employers in the Vocational Rehabilitation and Participation Ecosystem
Abstract
This article presents the Single Contact Points for Employers that were implemented nationwide with the introduction of Section 185 a of the Ninth Social Code (SGB IX) in the ecosystem of vocational rehabilitation and participation in Germany. To this end, the “placement” of the contact points in the existing system is examined from a perspective of innovation and system theory. Firstly, the contact points are contrasted with other employer counseling institutions in the ecosystem. In a subsequent step, the views of experts in the field are reconstructed using qualitative interview data. The analysis is guided by the following questions: How and for what reason were the contact points installed in the ecosystem of vocational rehabilitation and participation? What function do they fulfill in the system, and how do they relate to established actors? Finally, the article discusses the distinctive characteristics of the Single Contact Points for Employers in relation to other actors with legal mandates for providing employer counsel. It examines the shared characteristics among these actors and how these respond to the new entities. more … (in German)
WSI-MITTEILUNGEN 4/2025
Felix Syrovatka
From Delegation of Powers to Private Autonomy: Paradigms and Liberalisation in Collective Bargaining Law
Abstract
Legal dogma defined collective bargaining autonomy as “the delegation of legislative powers” well into the 1990s. Today, according to the prevailing opinion in jurisprudence, it is seen as “collectively exercised private autonomy”. This paradigm shift marks the transition from a state-centred to a liberal-individualistic view on collective bargaining autonomy. The article analyses this shift in German collective labour law and demonstrates how the liberal legal paradigm, since the 1970s, has prevailed over both the dominant etatist and the contending social-democratic paradigms. Understood as a process of liberalisation, this paradigm shift fostered a re-individualisation of collective bargaining law, undermining the solidaristic foundations of the collective bargaining system. The article contributes critically to the debate around the crisis faced by collective bargaining in Germany, revealing the ambivalent role of “liberal” collective bargaining concepts in labour relations. more … (in German)
WSI-MITTEILUNGEN 4/2025
Thilo Janssen, Malte Lübker
WSI European Collective Bargaining Report – 2024/2025: Trade Unions Go on Strike, Recovering Purchasing Power
Abstract
In 2024, for the first time since the recent surge in prices, trade unions across Europe secured wage increases above the rate of inflation: In the eurozone, collectively agreed wages rose by 4.5 % in nominal terms, which translates into a real gain of 2.1 %. In Germany, the real increase was slightly higher, at 2.8 %. In the fight against the loss of purchasing power, trade unions in EU countries increasingly took industrial action as a last resort to advance the interests of workers. In 2023 in particular, the volume of strikes rose sharply in Germany, Spain and the Netherlands, among other countries. There were also significantly higher volumes in countries where strikes are traditionally rare, such as Austria. Despite the positive trend in real collectively agreed wages in 2024, the recovery is not yet complete: In the eurozone, their purchasing power was still around 5 % below the 2020 baseline. According to data from the WSI Collective Agreement Archive, the real loss in Germany stood at 4.7 %, while according to data from the Federal Statistical Office, the cumulative drop was as high as 7.9 % (the divergence from WSI data is due to methodological differences). Against this backdrop, the flattening of wage growth expected by the ECB for 2025 and 2026 is cause for concern. High wage demands by trade unions remain justified. more … (in German)
WSI-MITTEILUNGEN 4/2025
Christian Hohendanner, Susanne Kohaut
Collective Bargaining and Works Councils: Results from the IAB Establishment Panel 2024
Abstract
Collective bargaining coverage and the representation by works and staff councils have gradually but steadily declined in recent years. In 2024, around 43 % of employees in West Germany and around 31 % of employees in East Germany worked in a workplace that was subject to a sectoral collective agreement. In-house collective agreements applied to 7 % of employees in West Germany and 11 % in East Germany. The numbers for co-determination in establishments show a similar picture: In 2024, around 41 % of West German employees and 37 % of East German employees worked in establishments with a works council or staff council. more … (in German)
WSI-MITTEILUNGEN 4/2025
Marcel Erlinghagen, Lisa Mansfeld
Emigration and Return Migration of German Labour. Skills Shortage Threatening to Intensify?
Abstract
Based on data from the German Emigration and Remigration Panel Study (GERPS), the article examines the extent and the consequences of international migration of German workers. The results show that there are hardly any permanent losses, but that the emigration of German skilled workers abroad is often a temporary phenomenon. The vast majority of emigrants return after a few years. This circular migration is often accompanied by improved working conditions (salary, promotion opportunities, autonomy) both abroad and after returning to Germany. It can be assumed that the returnees bring new knowledge and skills back to Germany, not least to the benefit of companies. However, there is a net loss of workers overall, which varies for individual occupational groups. Nevertheless, measured against the total volume of these occupational groups, this loss is of minor importance. In future, research and political interest should focus more on the emigration of foreign skilled workers, which is likely to be much more significant in quantitative terms. more … (in German)
WSI-MITTEILUNGEN 4/2025
Marten von Werder
Need, Effort and Justice. A study on the Distribution Policy Positions of Trade Union Members
Abstract
With the help of an opinion research institute, IG Metall examined the perception of social inequality among its membership. The key findings of the quantitative part of the project are that high proportions of the membership find the current situation at least “rather unfair”, support greater state redistribution – e.g. through a wealth tax – and perceive inequality as a threat to the political system. From IG Metall's perspective, decisive political measures to combat social inequality would be appropriate. more … (in German)
WSI-MITTEILUNGEN 4/2025
Sebastian Dullien
The “Zeitenwende” Must Include Economic Policy. Change of Course Needed also in Trade and Industrial Policies
Abstract
The commentary calls for taking the economic dimension of the “Zeitenwende” seriously. In light of global geopolitical shifts, particularly the conflict between the U.S. and China, Germany’s previously export-oriented economic model is under threat. The federal government must place greater emphasis on domestic demand, realign trade and industrial policies, and provide targeted growth stimuli. In addition, reforms of the EU fiscal rules, a strategically focused industrial policy, and the integration of climate policy within trade and industrial policies are necessary. This is the only way to secure future prosperity. more … (in German)
WSI-MITTEILUNGEN 4/2025
Florian Blank, Simone Leiber
Rich Country – Poor People: What can be Expected from the new Government?
Abstract
The coalition government formed in 2025 announced several social policy reforms in its coalition agreement. In light of strong social inequality and great poverty, the question is whether these policies also help the poor. The preceding administration only partially succeeded in improving the lives of persons living in precarious circumstances; some of its projects were not realised at all. Contrary to the former coalition, the new government’s proposals hardly focus on poor people at all. To what extent the broader social policy changes that have been announced will improve the living conditions of the poor remains to be seen. more … (in German)
WSI-MITTEILUNGEN 4/2025
Julika Bürgin
More (than) Democracy is at Stake
Abstract
Political and trade union education that serves to defend democracy must raise awareness of the latent threat to democracy under capitalist conditions. The article argues that this threat is not only embodied politically by the extreme right but is already expressed in the authoritarian treatment especially of asylum seekers and civil society opposition. There are two tasks for trade union education and debate: To counter the tendencies towards authoritarian state restructuring by insisting on more democracy and to develop confident strategies in the event of open attacks on democratic institutions. more … (in German)
Full text search, key word search, annual tables of content are available in German language
Abstracts
| Issue 01/2025 | Issue 02/2025 |
| Issue 03/2025 | Issue 04/2025 |
| Issue 01/2024 | Issue 02/2024 |
| Issue 03/2024 | Issue 04/2024 |
| Issue 05/2024 | Issue 06/2024 |
| Issue 01/2023 | Issue 02/2023 |
| Issue 03/2023 | Issue 04/2023 |
| Issue 05/2023 | Issue 06/2023 |
| Issue 01/2022 | Issue 02/2022 |
| Issue 03/2022 | Issue 04/2022 |
| Issue 05/2022 | Issue 06/2022 |
| Issue 01/2021 | Issue 01/2020 |
| Issue 02/2021 | Issue 02/2020 |
| Issue 03/2021 | Issue 03/2020 |
| Issue 04/2021 | Issue 04/2020 |
| Issue 05/2021 | Issue 05/2020 |
| Issue 06/2021 | Issue 06/2020 |
| Issue 01/2019 | Issue 01/2018 |
| Issue 02/2019 | Issue 02/2018 |
| Issue 03/2019 | Issue 03/2018 |
| Issue 04/2019 | Issue 04/2018 |
| Issue 05/2019 | Issue 05/2018 |
| Issue 06/2019 | Issue 06/2018 |