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Deunionization, Technical Change and Inequality

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  • Aghion, Philippe
  • Acemoglu, Daron
  • Violante, Giovanni

Abstract

We argue that inequality and rapid deunionization are related, and that skill-biased technical change has been an important factor in deunionization as well as in the rise in inequality. Skill-biased technical change causes deunionization because it increases the outside option of skilled workers, undermining the coalition among skilled and unskilled worker in support of unions. Our approach implies that although deunionization is not the underlying cause of the increase in inequality, it amplifies the direct effect of skill-biased technical change by removing the wage compression imposed by unions. We also show that deunionization may happen inefficiently.

Suggested Citation

  • Aghion, Philippe & Acemoglu, Daron & Violante, Giovanni, 2001. "Deunionization, Technical Change and Inequality," CEPR Discussion Papers 2764, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:2764
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Deunionization; Efficiency-enhancing unions; Rent-seeking unions; Skill-biased technical change; Wage inequality;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J30 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - General
    • J50 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor-Management Relations, Trade Unions, and Collective Bargaining - - - General
    • O30 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - General

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