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Bargaining on the frontline: What role did collective bargaining play in protecting/advancing the interests of frontline workers during the Coronavirus pandemic?

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Drawing on 12 case studies across 10 countries of how trade unions and collective bargaining institutions supported front-line workers in healthcare, social care and food retail, this article finds that pre-existing or new collective bargaining or social dialogue forums provided important avenues for employee voice on pandemic management. Trade unions also supported marginalized front-line workers through multiple tactics, though most initiatives predated the pandemic and often depended upon gaining active state support, which was not always possible. Trade unions were thus pursuing sword-of-justice objectives, though they were sometimes less open to revaluing front-line work already covered by collectively negotiated grading structures.

Source: International Labour Review

DOI: 10.16995/ilr.18856

Authors: Jill RUBERY, Isabel TÁVORA, Abbie WINTON, Eva HERMAN, Alejandro CASTILLO

Institutions: University of Manchester, University of Leeds, Universidad Diego Portales

Language: English

Topic: Labor Movements and Unions

Subfield: Public Administration

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Good health and well-being, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,090