The Role of Agreements Between Labour Unions and Employers in the Regulation of the Work Environment

Abstract

Traditionally, agreements between labour unions and employers’ associations have been a rare instrument of work environment regulation. However, they appear to be becoming more significant. There is a growing tendency in Denmark to integrate agreements and legislation. One of the reasons for this development is the higher priority given to the psychosocial work environment. This area is generally difficult to regulate, even by the reflexive form of work environment legislation currently in use, as its character makes it difficult to set fixed norms that can be measured objectively. In addition, the prevention of psychosocial strains requires changes in the organisation of work and management of human resources. Both areas are normally controlled by management and to some extent influenced by collective agreements relating to the wage system and working hours.Deregulation and EU legislation also put the labour unions and employers’ associations under pressure, forcing them to look for new roles. A stronger role in work environment regulation could be a possibility. Agreements between the social partners about the work environment may introduce new dynamics if they result in a greater commitment to improvement on the parts of both the social partners and the companies. Strong co-operation between the work environment authorities and the social partners seems to be necessary. However, achievement of such co-operation is far from straightforward. On the one hand, employers may find the work environment requirements too strict; on the other, union members may find them exactly the opposite.

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