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The Impact of Trade Unions on Work Related Training in Australia

Author

Listed:
  • Michael Dobbie

    (Macquarie University)

  • Daehoon Nahm

    (Macquarie University)

  • Craig MacMillan

    (Macquarie University)

Abstract

This paper uses data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics Survey in Australia (2009-2014) to examine the role played by unions in workplace training. We focus on the incidence, intensity, transferability of training, as well as associated wage effects. We find that there is some evidence that unions have a positive effect on the incidence and transferability of training. We find no evidence of a union effect on training intensity. We also find that unions influence wage growth in a way that is consistent with the view that unions trade off wage growth for training opportunities. Our results are not consistent with the predicted role on unions in the standard Becker model. They are consistent with predictions about union influence in imperfectly competitive labour markets, or with the idea that unions directly negotiate better training opportunities.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Dobbie & Daehoon Nahm & Craig MacMillan, 2017. "The Impact of Trade Unions on Work Related Training in Australia," Australian Journal of Labour Economics (AJLE), Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC), Curtin Business School, vol. 20(1), pages 57-84.
    • Handle: RePEc:ozl:journl:v:20:y:2017:i:1:p:57-84
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Francis Green & Stephen Machin & David Wilkinson, 1999. "Trade Unions and Training Practices in British Workplaces," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 52(2), pages 179-195, January.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Union training effects; training incidence; training intensity; transferable skills; HILDA;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J01 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - General - - - Labor Economics: General
    • J51 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor-Management Relations, Trade Unions, and Collective Bargaining - - - Trade Unions: Objectives, Structure, and Effects
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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