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Public support for a union default: Predicting factors and implications for public policy

Author

Listed:
  • Mark Harcourt

    (Waikato Management School, University of Waikato, New Zealand)

  • Gregor Gall

    (Leeds University Business School, University of Leeds, UK)

  • Margaret Wilson

    (Faculty of Law, University of Waikato, New Zealand)

  • Korey Rubenstein

    (Waikato Management School, University of Waikato, New Zealand)

  • Sudong Shang

    (Department of Employment Relations and Human Resources, Griffith University, Australia)

Abstract

Drawing on survey findings, in this article the authors examine levels of public support in New Zealand for a union default. The key findings are that support is high (59%), that support is principally predicted by a belief in the default’s effectiveness for improving employees’ lives, and that this belief mediates a number of other predictors, such as union membership, non-union by choice, political party, household income, gender and age. There are strong grounds for believing this would translate into actual support for a union default and a consequent rise in union membership. These findings are contextualised with regard to Australia, Britain, Canada and the United States, where the authors draw out the implications for public policy and how a union default could be operationalised in the countries under study.

Suggested Citation

  • Mark Harcourt & Gregor Gall & Margaret Wilson & Korey Rubenstein & Sudong Shang, 2022. "Public support for a union default: Predicting factors and implications for public policy," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 43(3), pages 1095-1118, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:43:y:2022:i:3:p:1095-1118
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X20969811
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    References listed on IDEAS

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