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The effect of unions on productivity: An analysis of the cattle kill floor

Author

Listed:
  • Susan McDowell

    (Former graduate student and Associate Professor with the Department of Agricultural Economics, Cornell University)

  • William Lesser

    (Former graduate student and Associate Professor with the Department of Agricultural Economics, Cornell University)

Abstract

Cattle kill floor operations were analyzed using sample data to determine the impacts of unionism on productivity at the plant level. No significant union effect either negative or positive was found, possibly because of the limited union role in setting wages and the wide variation in personnel practices irrespective of the union status of the plants. Large productivity differences observed among the sample firms require other explanations.

Suggested Citation

  • Susan McDowell & William Lesser, 1987. "The effect of unions on productivity: An analysis of the cattle kill floor," Agribusiness, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 3(3), pages 273-280.
  • Handle: RePEc:wly:agribz:v:3:y:1987:i:3:p:273-280
    DOI: 10.1002/1520-6297(198723)3:3<273::AID-AGR2720030303>3.0.CO;2-V
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Polopolus, Leo, 1982. "Agricultural Economics Beyond The Farm Gate," 1982 Annual Meeting, August 1-4, Logan, Utah 279436, American Agricultural Economics Association (New Name 2008: Agricultural and Applied Economics Association).
    2. Hammons, Donald R., 1976. "Cattle Kill-Floor Efficiency," Marketing Research Reports 312424, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Transportation and Marketing Program.
    3. Leo Polopolus, 1982. "Agricultural Economics Beyond the Farm Gate," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 64(5), pages 803-810, December.
    4. Leo Polopolus, 1982. "Agricultural Economics Beyond the Farm Gate," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 64(5), pages 803-810.
    5. Russell L. Gum & Samuel H. Logan, 1965. "Labor Productivity in Beef Slaughter Plants," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 47(5), pages 1457-1461.
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