Why unionization impacts welfare and public health

Abstract

Introduction: The Norwegian working life and welfare model has contributed to creating a society with high income for citizens, relatively low social inequality, good public health and high trust. Main part: Based on extensive research literature we focus on what we regard is the core of the Norwegian working life and welfare model. In addition, we make clear how this model has contributed to characteristics often associated with a good society. A decrease in unionization is, in combination with increased globalization, atypical employment contracts and automation, a factor that may weaken the Norwegian working life and welfare model. Conclusion: In an international perspective, public health is good in Norway. This is closely related to how the country’s working life and welfare model has been designed. As an important professional group within public health work, it is important that physiotherapists are aware of these relationships.

Keywords

• union
• trust
• social inequality
• collective wage bargaining