Fredrik Kostøl (Norwegian University of Science and Technology)
Elin Svarstad
This paper examines how different forms of collective presence shape wage formation in a coordinated labour market. Using linked employeremployee data from Norway (20162023), we analyse how wages relate to firm-level productivity under varying configurations of collective bargaining coverage, workplace union density, and individual union membership. We document a positive but modest wageproductivity relationship once worker and firm fixed effects are included. Collective bargaining coverage is associated with weaker productivity responsiveness, particularly for white-collar workers, while union density and membership primarily affect wage levels. The findings highlight that collective presence is multidimensional, with distinct implications for wage formation.