Trade Unions and employers' associations vary widely in their degree of centralization across the advanced industrial democracies. The sources and economic consequences of the extent of centralization of such associations have been subjects of considerable debate. While it is clear that the extent of centralization has substantial consequences in terms of economic policies and outcomes, the specific nature of these relationships is not well understood. This collaborative research explores both the causes and consequences of union centralization in advanced industrial societies. Government data and interviews with local experts will be used to construct a comprehensive data set on the centralization of national industrial relations systems and of trade unions and employers' associations in approximately 20 european nations over an extended time period. These data will permit a much more systematic and thorough exploration of the causes and consequences of union centralization. When completed this project will provide the basis for a better understanding of union, management, government relations and how they can be improved.
