Will there be a Nordic model in the platform economy? Evasive and integrative platform strategies in Denmark and Sweden

Anna Ilsøe*, Carl Fredrik Söderqvist

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

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Abstract

The entry of gig-platforms to labor markets world-wide has caused significant frictions with national institutions and regulators, including trade unions. In this article, we compare the interactions between taxi and food delivery platforms with the industrial relations (IR) systems of Denmark and Sweden, where we observe isolated instances of unions striking collective agreements with platforms. We assess and compare platform strategies and interactions with IR system agents, using an RIT-framework (rulemaker-intermediary-ruletaker) which considers how rulemaking capacity is allocated within the Nordic IR systems. We detect both IR system evasion and integration in Denmark and Sweden, with significant variation in causes and mechanisms. We find that IR system integration can be explained by public backlash, pressure from IR system insiders, and gaining first-mover advantages. Our findings shed light on integrative mechanisms of the Nordic IR systems allowing us to identify and discuss future challenges posed by the platform economy.
Original languageEnglish
JournalRegulation & Governance
Volume17
Issue number3
Pages (from-to)608-626
ISSN1748-5983
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023

Keywords

  • Faculty of Social Sciences
  • industrial relations
  • Nordic model
  • platform economy
  • RIT-framework
  • voluntarism

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