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Unionization, market structure, and economic growth

Author

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  • Lei Ji
  • Juin‐Jen Chang
  • Chien‐Yu Huang

Abstract

This article investigates the macroeconomic effects of unionization in a Schumpeterian growth model with an endogenous product market structure and a unionized labor market. The endogeneity of the market structure and the trade unionism of the labor market interact and jointly determine the equilibrium unemployment, firm size, number of firms, economic growth, and distribution of income between workers and firms. We show that unionization governs the distribution of income between workers and firms and the unemployment rate, but it does not give rise to any growth effect on the economy. In addition, unionization discourages potential entrants and hence decreases the equilibrium number of firms. These results echo the empirical observation in the sense that unionization raises unemployment and alters the distribution of income between workers and firms, but it does not give rise to a significant, real impact on the firms’ investment and the economy‐wide growth.

Suggested Citation

  • Lei Ji & Juin‐Jen Chang & Chien‐Yu Huang, 2016. "Unionization, market structure, and economic growth," Southern Economic Journal, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 82(3), pages 935-951, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:soecon:v:82:y:2016:i:3:p:935-951
    DOI: 10.1002/soej.12111
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    References listed on IDEAS

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