Source: WSI
: WSI Mitteilungen
"WSI-Mitteilungen" is a scientific journal providing up-to-date information on the results of research on current issues of relevance to trade unions. It is aimed primarily at the academic and business communities, trade unionists and policymakers.
The journal is published in German language six times a year. For all articles, abstracts are available in English.
| More about the journal | Archive (Abstracts) |
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Issue 06/2025
WSI-MITTEILUNGEN 6/2025
Martin Krzywdzinski
The Uncertain Future of Production. The Lead Plant Concept and the Crisis in the Automotive Supply Industry
Abstract
The German automotive supply industry is under pressure from a massive slump in demand, the transition to electromobility, the decline of exports and increasing competition from low-wage countries. This calls into question the future viability of production sites with lead plant functions. The article examines the current significance of the lead plant concept in the German automotive supply industry, how lead plants are adapting to technological change and what role works councils play in this process. The analysis is based on two works council surveys from 2016 and 2024. The results show that around one third of sites continue to have lead plant functions. These sites are driving forward the development of new products for electromobility at an above-average rate and have a more stable employment trend. However, there are signs of erosion of locational advantages, particularly through the relocation of product development. Early involvement of works councils favours innovation activities. In the long term, industrial policy measures are required to successfully shape the adaptation strategies of these companies. more … (in German)
WSI-MITTEILUNGEN 6/2025
Reinhard Bahnmüller
Collectively Agreed Benefit Schemes for Trade Union Members. Chances of Implementation, Prevalence, Risks and Effects
Abstract
Until recently, benefit schemes for trade union members were a marginal topic in collective bargaining policy. Continuing membership losses and declining levels of organisation are prompting German trade unions to make greater use of this instrument in order to make trade union membership more attractive. This study is the first to provide an overview of the prevalence of collectively agreed benefit schemes, their chances of being implemented and their opportunities, risks and effects. It is based on data made available by DGB trade unions as well as interviews with trade union bargaining agents, company advisors and secretaries responsible for membership development. more … (in German)
WSI-MITTEILUNGEN 6/2025
Christoph Scherrer
Work at Sea – Precarious Despite Regulation
Abstract
The author examines the question why poor working conditions continue to prevail in the cargo shipping industry despite the Maritime Labour Convention, which has been signed by almost all flag states, and improved monitoring of this law through regional port state control agreements. He answers this question by discussing the gaps in maritime labour law and its monitoring and, above all, the market power of shipping lines. The concentration of capital and the antitrust exemptions for shipping company alliances give shipping lines a strong position vis-à-vis crews, port operators and states. This position justifies the final recommendation to hold shipping companies accountable with the law on due diligence in the supply chain. more … (in German)
WSI-MITTEILUNGEN 6/2025
Annett Gräfe-Geusch, Fabio Best, Ilse Kuschel
Discrimination in the Workplace. Limitations and Alternatives to the Category “Migration Background” in Labor Market Research
Abstract
This study evaluates if the category “migration background” functions as a proxy for workplace discrimination. Based on a survey (N = 4039) the findings reveal that migration background fails to capture significant differences between groups that are vulnerable to racism and those that are not. In contrast, self-identification and outside-perception of racialised groups enable a more precise identification of vulnerability to discrimination. The results also provide evidence that these two indicators can be augmented with religious identification. The results suggest that multidimensional indicators, including visible characteristics and reflected external attributions, are better suited to analysing and addressing labour market discrimination. Recommendations for action conclude the article. more … (in German)
WSI-MITTEILUNGEN 6/2025
Dorothee Spannagel
More Inequality – Less Political Participation. WSI Distribution Report 2025
Abstract
This year's report on the distribution of income examines the development of income inequality in Germany from 2010 to 2022 and its political implications. Based on data from the SOEP and the WSI Labor Force Survey, it shows that income inequality remained relatively stable until the mid-2010s but rose from 2018 onwards. Poverty rates increased markedly, while income wealth remained stable overall. Politically, this reinforces social divisions: lower income groups have less trust in key democratic institutions and are less likely to participate in elections. These developments could prove to be a breeding ground for populist forces such as the AfD. Politically, measures to strengthen good employment, targeted financial transfer for poor people, and higher taxation of high incomes and wealth therefore appear necessary. All these reforms are important to ensure the social participation of all population groups and can help to counteract tendencies that weaken democracy. more … (in German)
WSI-MITTEILUNGEN 6/2025
Fabian Hoose, Fabian Beckmann, Serkan Topal, Sabrina Glanz
Innovative Leap or Wide of the Mark? The Perspectives of German Labour Market Players on the EU Platform Directive
Abstract
The EU Directive on platform work represents a significant step toward regulating digitally mediated forms of employment. It aims to prevent bogus self-employment, increase transparency in algorithmic management, and facilitate access to forms of interest representation. The empirical analysis presented in this article shows that stakeholders in Germany — including trade unions, industry associations, and platform companies — assess the directive differently: While trade unions welcome it as a necessary measure to strengthen workers’ rights, businesses and associations representing sectors and the self-employed express concerns about overregulation and competitive disadvantages. Nevertheless, the implementation process opens a window of opportunity for broader labour market policy reforms. At the same time, there is a risk of regulatory patchwork across Europe, as national implementation may vary significantly. Establishing coherent standards that ensure both the protection of platform workers and fair competition thus remains a key challenge. more … (in German)
WSI-MITTEILUNGEN 6/2025
Felix Groell
Dealing with Powerlessness at Work. Experiences of IG Metall Weser-Elbe in Times of Rising Right-Wing Populism and Transformation
Abstract
The article presents the results of a works council survey conducted in small and medium-sized companies in and around Bremerhaven as well as findings from an educational project by IG Metall Weser-Elbe. It becomes clear that interpretations of the transformation within companies are contested. Against this backdrop, the article proposes specific strategies to deal with far-right interpretations of transformation conflicts, which are aimed at the experience of agency in the workplace. As an experience of self-efficacy, the 2026 works council elections are therefore of great importance for the fight against the right. more … (in German)
WSI-MITTEILUNGEN 6/2025
Sybille Stöbe-Blossey
A New Approach to the Welfare State: Efficiency and Accessibility
Abstract
The German welfare state is considered to be complex and often difficult to access. Reforms should increase administrative efficiency as well as improve citizen-friendliness. The article outlines approaches for preventive social policy that removes hurdles to taking up employment, strengthens people's qualification, and makes income-support benefits available without excessive bureaucracy. A digital wallet and an anchor institution—such as the tax office—could help to bundle services, reduce applications, and help to use resources in a more targeted manner. more … (in German)
WSI-MITTEILUNGEN 6/2025
Johanna Schoppengerd
Speed versus quality? The Contradictions of Accelerating Planning in Construction Projects
Abstract
Construction projects are preceded by complex, bureaucratic planning processes that significantly slow down project development. However, attempts to remedy this by accelerating planning threaten to undermine sensible protective provisions and democratic participation rights in the long-term design of the built environment. In addition to more efficient procedural design within the existing legal framework, planning regulations should be reformed in the long run to create more clarity without sacrificing key quality requirements. more … (in German)
WSI-MITTEILUNGEN 6/2025
Stefanie Lorenzen
Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive Omnibus – An End to Bureaucracy or to a Social Standard?
Abstract
In the name of competitiveness of European companies the EU Commission wants to debureaucratise the CSDDD through the so-called Omnibus. The trilogue thus far has, however, hardly simplified implementation, but rather puts improved human and environmental rights in global value chains at stake. more … (in German)
Full text search, key word search, annual tables of content are available in German language
Abstracts
| Issue 01/2025 | Issue 02/2025 |
| Issue 03/2025 | Issue 04/2025 |
| Issue 05/2025 | Issue 06/2025 |
| Issue 01/2024 | Issue 02/2024 |
| Issue 03/2024 | Issue 04/2024 |
| Issue 05/2024 | Issue 06/2024 |
| Issue 01/2023 | Issue 02/2023 |
| Issue 03/2023 | Issue 04/2023 |
| Issue 05/2023 | Issue 06/2023 |
| Issue 01/2022 | Issue 02/2022 |
| Issue 03/2022 | Issue 04/2022 |
| Issue 05/2022 | Issue 06/2022 |
| Issue 01/2021 | Issue 01/2020 |
| Issue 02/2021 | Issue 02/2020 |
| Issue 03/2021 | Issue 03/2020 |
| Issue 04/2021 | Issue 04/2020 |
| Issue 05/2021 | Issue 05/2020 |
| Issue 06/2021 | Issue 06/2020 |
| Issue 01/2019 | Issue 01/2018 |
| Issue 02/2019 | Issue 02/2018 |
| Issue 03/2019 | Issue 03/2018 |
| Issue 04/2019 | Issue 04/2018 |
| Issue 05/2019 | Issue 05/2018 |
| Issue 06/2019 | Issue 06/2018 |