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The importance of legal strength for trade unions: Theory and evidence from China

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  • Jianxuan Lei

Abstract

This paper studies how legal strength—the effectiveness of a legal system in governing the use of laws—influences trade unions in China. By focusing on the institutional environment in which laws are practiced, I theorize that a strong legal system can empower trade unions through direct legal mobilization and legal consciousness. Empirical analysis with data collected from multiple sources supports this prediction. I find that unionization is more prevalent in strong legal systems than in weak ones. Moreover, Chinese unions improve labor outcomes to a greater extent when one or more dimensions of the legal systems are strong.

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  • Jianxuan Lei, 2024. "The importance of legal strength for trade unions: Theory and evidence from China," Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 63(4), pages 491-511, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:indres:v:63:y:2024:i:4:p:491-511
    DOI: 10.1111/irel.12351
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