Power resources and trade union strategies in the European Union. Resistance and social equality in the face of the new neoliberal inter- governmentalism

This paper analyzes the interrelationship and synergies between the different resources of union power in the countries of the European Union. We study the relationship between the associative and institutional power of trade unions, on the one hand, and the levels of social equality in the EU, on the other hand. Likewise, we analyze the dynamic link between union power resources and the state / business strategies implemented to face the crisis that began in 2008. For this, we carry out different multivariate analysis techniques (multiple correspondences and generalized linear models). We conclude that the trade union organizations that base their strategy on indirectly reinforcing their institutional power are those that have been most affected by the labor reform and flexibilization strategies promoted by the states. In this regard, strengthening the associative power of trade unions seems to be the most effective strategy to face the crisis that began in 2008.