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Abstract

This report analyses and compares the content of 98 collective agreements across three low-wage sectors in 12 EU Member States. The project builds on Eurofound’s database of collective agreements related to low-paid workers, collected for the Agency’s pilot project on minimum wages. Following a qualitative analysis of the content in the collective agreements, over 14,000 clauses were coded, analysed and grouped into key topics. The report examines how these topics have developed over time. Preliminary findings indicate that collective agreements improve the job quality of workers in low-paid sectors beyond their pay. In addition to securing higher earnings, through additional bonuses and allowances for example, these agreements also provide non-monetary benefits and opportunities for career advancement, including upskilling and reskilling initiatives.

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