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Effects of Union Certification on Workplace-Safety Enforcement: Regression-Discontinuity Evidence

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  • Aaron Sojourner
  • Jooyoung Yang

Abstract

The authors study how union certification affects the enforcement of workplace-safety laws. To generate credible causal estimates, a regression discontinuity design compares outcomes in establishments in which unions barely won representation elections to outcomes in establishments in which unions barely lost such elections. The study combines two main data sets: the census of National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) representation elections and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) enforcement database since 1985. Evidence shows positive effects of union certification on establishment’s rate of OSHA inspection, the share of inspections carried out in the presence of a union representative, violations cited, and penalties assessed.

Suggested Citation

  • Aaron Sojourner & Jooyoung Yang, 2022. "Effects of Union Certification on Workplace-Safety Enforcement: Regression-Discontinuity Evidence," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 75(2), pages 373-401, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ilrrev:v:75:y:2022:i:2:p:373-401
    DOI: 10.1177/0019793920953089
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    References listed on IDEAS

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