This working paper focuses on the position of Belgian trade unions towards the introduction of a universal basic income (UBI), a proposal attracting increasing attention due to major social changes that have weakened the efficiency of existing social protection mechanisms. Previous studies on the subject suggest that trade unions are not particularly supportive of this (potential) welfare reform and that their opposition is mainly driven by ideological and strategic motives. Yet, little empirical research has been done on the factors influencing trade unions’ hostility towards the proposal. This study aims to fill this gap by adopting a multi-factor approach that considers the broader institutional, political and socio-economic context, unions’ ideologies and values, and their organizational structure and relation to constituencies’ attitudes. On the basis of in-depth interviews with prominent Belgian union leaders, we untangle how their official positioning is shaped by multiple, sometimes contradictory, considerations. We find that Belgian trade unions are concerned about the budgetary implication that implementing a UBI would entail as well as the uncertainty of politically tinted UBI proposals. They essentially want to maintain the current social insurance system and their prominent institutional role within that system. We also note that the rationale behind their opposition is shaped by their union-specific philosophical tendencies and their strong attachment to work. Finally, their constituencies’ attitudes do not seem to affect their official positioning. On the contrary, we notice a top-down approach as they emphasize their role in “educating” their members about a UBI.
Citation: Geels, F., Mulayi, M.L., & Laenen, T. (2023). What’s Not to Loathe? A Qualitative Study of the Factors Influencing Belgian Trade Unions’ Positioning towards a Universal Basic Income. SPSW Working Paper No. CeSo/SPSW/2023-01. Leuven: Centre for Sociological Research, KU Leuven.
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