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What Do Right‐to‐Work Laws Do? Evidence from a Synthetic Control Method Analysis

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  • Ozkan Eren
  • Serkan Ozbeklik

Abstract

Using the case study of Oklahoma and a recently developed econometric technique, we examine the impact of right‐to‐work (RTW) laws on state‐level labor market outcomes. Our results show that the passage of RTW laws in Oklahoma decreased private sector unionization rates. Several other state outcomes including total employment rate and private sector average wages, on the other hand, were not affected by RTW laws. The findings for the private sector generally carry over to the manufacturing sector.

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  • Ozkan Eren & Serkan Ozbeklik, 2016. "What Do Right‐to‐Work Laws Do? Evidence from a Synthetic Control Method Analysis," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 35(1), pages 173-194, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jpamgt:v:35:y:2016:i:1:p:173-194
    DOI: 10.1002/pam.21861
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    Cited by:

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    17. Ozkan Eren & Masayuki Onda & Bulent Unel, 2016. "Effects of FDI on Entrepreneurial Activity: Evidence from Right-to-Work and Non-Right-to-Work States," Departmental Working Papers 2016-04, Department of Economics, Louisiana State University.
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