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Trends in Worker Demand for Union Representation

Author

Listed:
  • Henry S. Farber

    (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

Abstract

The dramatic decline in the demand for union representation among nonunion workers over the last decade is investigated using data on worker preferences for union representation from four surveys conducted in 1977, 1980, 1982, and 1984. Relatively little of the decline can be accounted for by shifts in labor force structure. However, virtually all of the decline is correlated with an increase in the satisfaction of nonunion workers with their jobs and a decline in nonunion workers’ beliefs that unions are able to improve wages and working conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Henry S. Farber, 1989. "Trends in Worker Demand for Union Representation," Working Papers 1989-1, Princeton University. Economics Department..
    • Handle: RePEc:pri:econom:1989-1
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    File URL: https://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w2857/w2857.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Henry S. Farber, 1987. "The Decline of Unionization in the United States: What can Be Learned from Recent Experience?," NBER Working Papers 2267, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    2. Henry S. Farber, 1987. "The Decline of Unionization in the U. S. : What Can be Learned from Recent Experience?," Working papers 451, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Department of Economics.
    3. Farber, Henry S & Saks, Daniel H, 1980. "Why Workers Want Unions: The Role of Relative Wages and Job Characteristics," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 88(2), pages 349-369, April.
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Henry S. Farber & Alan B. Krueger, 1992. "Union Membership in the United States: The Decline Continues," Working Papers 685, Princeton University, Department of Economics, Industrial Relations Section..
    2. Zachary Schaller, 2023. "Decomposing the Decline of Unions: Revisiting Sectoral and Regional Shifts," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 76(2), pages 387-411, March.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J51 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor-Management Relations, Trade Unions, and Collective Bargaining - - - Trade Unions: Objectives, Structure, and Effects

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