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The union default: Effects and implications of regulated opting‐out

Author

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  • Mark Harcourt
  • Gregor Gall
  • Margaret Wilson

Abstract

A union default would automatically enrol workers in a union with bargaining coverage over their work. Though there would be a right to opt‐out, it would facilitate recruitment and retention of members, especially in sectors with small employers and high staff turnover. Research indicates it would receive majority support and, where available, induce most workers to membership of unions. This study looks at whether two potential features of a union default would influence the intention to remain a union member if defaulted or support for a union default. The first is a mandatory 30‐day waiting period until opt‐out is permitted. The second is a standardised, online process to facilitate opting out.

Suggested Citation

  • Mark Harcourt & Gregor Gall & Margaret Wilson, 2023. "The union default: Effects and implications of regulated opting‐out," Industrial Relations Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 54(2), pages 132-149, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:indrel:v:54:y:2023:i:2:p:132-149
    DOI: 10.1111/irj.12394
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mark Harcourt & Helen Lam & Richard Croucher, 2015. "The right-to-manage default rule," Industrial Relations Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 46(3), pages 222-235, May.
    2. Andy Hodder & Lefteris Kretsos, 2015. "Young Workers and Unions: Context and Overview," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: Andy Hodder & Lefteris Kretsos (ed.), Young Workers and Trade Unions, chapter 1, pages 1-15, Palgrave Macmillan.
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    5. Mark Harcourt & Gregor Gall & Nisha Novell & Margaret Wilson, 2021. "Boosting Union Membership: Reconciling Liberal and Social Democratic Conceptions of Freedom of Association via a Union Default," Industrial Law Journal, Industrial Law Society, vol. 50(3), pages 375-404.
    6. Mélanie Dufour-Poirier & Mélanie Laroche, 2015. "Revitalising young workers' union participation: a comparative analysis of two organisations in Quebec (Canada)," Industrial Relations Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 46(5-6), pages 418-433, November.
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    9. Jung, Janice Y. & Mellers, Barbara A., 2016. "American attitudes toward nudges," Judgment and Decision Making, Cambridge University Press, vol. 11(1), pages 62-74, January.
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    1. Mark Harcourt & Gregor Gall & Margaret Wilson, 2024. "Employee beliefs about the consequences of a union default: Implications for support and intention to remain in union membership," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 45(4), pages 1272-1293, November.

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