The Ghent system in transition: unions’ evolving role in Sweden’s multi-pillar unemployment benefit system

This article discusses the multi-faceted and changing role played by trade unions in providing unemployment benefits Sweden, a country using so-called Ghent system. As an important institutional feature explaining high rate of unionisation Nordics, system has been much debated. provides comprehensive account retrenchment state benefit (UBS) development occupational private UBS pillars complementary protection. It also introduces ongoing reform discussion where social partners are proposed to govern insurance via collective agreements, while retaining union-linked funds. The core – voluntary membership fund is turning out be highly resilient despite frequent attempts weaken union power stemming from it. However, system’s protection changed due its into multi-pillar structure, meaning that future prospects uncertain.