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The Contemporary Decline Of Union Strength

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  • JACK FIORITO
  • CHERYL L. MARANTO

Abstract

This paper reviews six explanations for the contemporary decline in United States union strength. The authors, after reviewing the conceptual basis and available evidence for each of these explanations, conclude that–for the present–each explanation has some merit. In other words, the contemporary decline in union strength results from the combined impact of various forces. However, employer suppression activities (e.g., illegal discharges for union activities) apparently represent the single most powerful explanation for union decline. Attempts by unions or policymakers to reverse this decline are more likely to be effective if the multiple causes of union decline are better understood.

Suggested Citation

  • Jack Fiorito & Cheryl L. Maranto, 1987. "The Contemporary Decline Of Union Strength," Contemporary Economic Policy, Western Economic Association International, vol. 5(4), pages 12-27, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:coecpo:v:5:y:1987:i:4:p:12-27
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1465-7287.1987.tb00269.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. James A. Gross, 1985. "Conflicting Statutory Purposes: Another Look at Fifty Years of NLRB Law Making," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 39(1), pages 7-18, October.
    2. Neumann, George R & Rissman, Ellen R, 1984. "Where Have All the Union Members Gone?," Journal of Labor Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 2(2), pages 175-192, April.
    3. Farber, Henry S & Saks, Daniel H, 1980. "Why Workers Want Unions: The Role of Relative Wages and Job Characteristics," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 88(2), pages 349-369, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Donna Sockell & John Thomas Delany, 1987. "Union Organizing And The Reagan Nlrb," Contemporary Economic Policy, Western Economic Association International, vol. 5(4), pages 28-45, October.
    2. John Godard & Carola Frege, 2013. "Labor Unions, Alternative Forms of Representation, and the Exercise of Authority Relations in U.S. Workplaces," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 66(1), pages 142-168, January.

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