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Strikes in British Coal Mining, 1893–1940: Testing Models of Strikes

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  • Michele Campolieti

Abstract

Unlike earlier studies, which focus on one model, I use data on British coal mining strikes to test several models of strikes, for example, the war‐of‐attrition, one‐sided asymmetric information and joint costs models as well as the safety valve hypothesis, which is related to “forest fire” models of strikes. I determine whether the data and estimates are compatible with these models as well as how observers in retrospective and contemporary accounts viewed these strikes. I find that the empirical and narrative evidence is supportive of the safety valve hypothesis, but is often at odds with the other (more commonly used) models.

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  • Michele Campolieti, 2021. "Strikes in British Coal Mining, 1893–1940: Testing Models of Strikes," Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 60(2), pages 243-273, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:indres:v:60:y:2021:i:2:p:243-273
    DOI: 10.1111/irel.12276
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    References listed on IDEAS

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