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The Effects of Teachers’ Unions on the Gender Pay Gap among U.S. Public School Teachers

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  • Eunice S. Han

Abstract

This study examines the effect of teachers’ unions on the gender pay gap among teachers under various legal environments, using nationally representative district–teacher matched data. To identify union effects, I employ propensity score matching, considering both contractual status and teacher union density in each district as a treatment. I find that teachers’ unions significantly reduce the gender pay gap, and the union effects vary by legal environment. I also find that unions reduce teacher attrition for female teachers, but not for male teachers, thereby decreasing the gender pay gap by helping female teachers accumulate experience.

Suggested Citation

  • Eunice S. Han, 2020. "The Effects of Teachers’ Unions on the Gender Pay Gap among U.S. Public School Teachers," Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 59(4), pages 563-603, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:indres:v:59:y:2020:i:4:p:563-603
    DOI: 10.1111/irel.12268
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Rachel Aleks & Tina Saksida & Sam Kolahgar, 2021. "Practice What You Preach: The Gender Pay Gap in Labor Union Compensation," Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 60(4), pages 403-435, October.
    2. Eunice S. Han, 2023. "The effect of changes in public sector bargaining laws on teacher union membership," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 61(1), pages 133-158, March.
    3. Ayushi Narayan, 2024. "The limits of using grievance procedures to combat workplace discrimination," Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 63(1), pages 26-42, January.

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