Vinnumarkaður - 01.06.1995, Blaðsíða 30

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Synopsis of methods and concepts
active persons is estimated by using the average labour force
participation rates 1991-1993 per each sex and age group
{16-19 years, 20-24 years, 25-29 years, 70-74 years),
taking into account the overcoverage bias discussed in
section 3.1.3.
3.4 Trade union membership
3.4.1 Origin of data, coverage and reliability
This year Statistics Iceland began to collect data on trade
union membership from the unions in preparation for a
regular publication of labour force statistics. The reference
time is December 31 each year. Federations and unaffiliated
unions, as registered at the State Conciliation and Mediation
Service, are asked to report to SI.
In the case of partially missing information, the total
number in each category is estimated in consultation with
union officials. Data on the number of affdiated members
are collected but not reported.
In this report figures for 1991-1993 are corrected accord-
ing to latest information.
3.4.2 Concepts
Active member. A person who pays union dues and enjoys
full rights within the union, including the right to vote and
stand for office.
Full member. A non-paying or a paying member of a
union who enjoys full rights within the union, including the
right to vote and stand for office.
3.5 International comparison
3.5.1 Origin of data, coverage and reliability
Various sources were utilized for Table 10.1, even if the
principal source is the 1994 OECD report, Labour Force
Statistics 1972-1992.
Users should be on guard when comparing labour force
participation rates and unemployment rates across countries,
as methods and definitions of concepts may vary greatly. The
OECD figures can be relied on to be more or less consistent,
whereas they are not necessarily directly comparable to data
from other sources. Each national time-series should, how-
ever, be consistent.