German Bender, author at Social Europe

About German Bender

German Bender is chief analyst at the Stockholm-based think tank Arena Idé and a PhD student at the Stockholm School of Economics, specialising in industrial relations, wage formation and the influence of social partners on algorithms. He was previously senior research officer at the Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees (TCO) and a speechwriter at the Swedish Trade Union Confederation (LO).

Algorithmic control

by German Bender on 12th February 2021

Work in the social sciences on algorithmic systems can inform how unions address their impact on the power balance between workers and employers.

The myth of job polarisation may fuel populism

by German Bender on 30th January 2020

There is only one problem with the theory that the labour market is becoming polarised between the low- and high-skilled. It’s wrong.

A Cautionary Tale To Be Had From Swedish School Reforms

by German Bender on 4th December 2018

Since the general election in September, Sweden has found itself in a political deadlock awaiting the formation of a government. One of the issues dividing the two main parliamentary blocs is whether there should be a cap on profit margins for publicly funded private schools. A government proposal to introduce such regulation was stopped by […]

Call to Europe: mind the social gaps!

European commissioner Elisa Ferreira, former high representative Federica Mogherini, ministers Arancha González (Spain) and Pierre Yves Dermagne (Belgium) are among the speakers at the 10th edition of Call to Europe.

‘Recovering Europe: Mind the Social Gaps’ is this year’s topic. Fighting inequalities and ensuring an inclusive and sustainable recovery is the most pressing issue in times of Covid19!

Engage in lively discussions with prominent progressive change-makers, experts, civil-society representatives and policy-makers. Join and enjoy a three-day, highly interactive virtual festival, which will also include cultural activities and online competitions.

Take part! Mind the social gaps!

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With a pandemic raging, for those countries most affected by Brexit the end of the transition could not come at a worse time. Yet, might the UK's withdrawal be a blessing in disguise? With its biggest veto player gone, might the European Pillar of Social Rights take centre stage? This book brings together leading experts in European politics and policy to examine social citizenship rights across the European continent in the wake of Brexit. Will member states see an enhanced social Europe or a race to the bottom?

'This book correctly emphasises the need to place the future of social rights in Europe front and centre in the post-Brexit debate, to move on from the economistic bias that has obscured our vision of a progressive social Europe.' Michael D Higgins, president of Ireland

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WSI minimum wage report 2021: is Europe en route to adequate minimum wages?

In late 2020, the European Commission took an important step towards securing adequate minimum wages for all workers in Europe with the publication of a draft directive aimed at reversing the growing polarisation of incomes and the growth of in-work poverty. Securing an income sufficient for a decent standard of living will require substantial increases in minimum wages in virtually all member states—a medium-term objective that, according to the commission's calculations, would deliver clear social benefits. More than 25 million workers in Europe would benefit directly were statutory minimum wages to rise to either 60% of the median wage or 50% of the average wage. In Germany alone, where 60% of the median wage would equate to a minimum wage of €12.00, some 6.8 million workers would see increases in their pay.

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Industrial relations: developments 2015-2019

Eurofound has monitored and analysed developments in industrial relations systems at EU level and in EU member states for over 40 years. This new flagship report provides an overview of developments in industrial relations and social dialogue in the years immediately prior to the Covid-19 outbreak. Findings are placed in the context of the key developments in EU policy affecting employment, working conditions and social policy, and linked to the work done by social partners—as well as public authorities—at European and national levels.

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