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Trends in Worker Demand for Union Representation

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  • Henry S. Farber

    (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

Abstract

The dramatic decline in the demand for union representation among nonunion workers over the last decade is investigated using data on worker preferences for union representation from four surveys conducted in 1977, 1980, 1982, and 1984. Relatively little of the decline can be accounted for by shifts in labor force structure. However, virtually all of the decline is correlated with an increase in the satisfaction of nonunion workers with their jobs and a decline in nonunion workers’ beliefs that unions are able to improve wages and working conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Henry S. Farber, 1989. "Trends in Worker Demand for Union Representation," Working Papers 1989-1, Princeton University. Economics Department..
    • Handle: RePEc:pri:econom:1989-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Henry S. Farber, 1987. "The Decline of Unionization in the United States: What can Be Learned from Recent Experience?," NBER Working Papers 2267, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    2. 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.
    3. Henry S. Farber, 1987. "The Decline of Unionization in the U. S. : What Can be Learned from Recent Experience?," Working papers 451, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Department of Economics.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Trade Unions; U.S.; Northern America;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J51 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor-Management Relations, Trade Unions, and Collective Bargaining - - - Trade Unions: Objectives, Structure, and Effects

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