Unions, Dynamism, and Economic Performance

48 Pages Posted: 30 Nov 2010

See all articles by Barry T. Hirsch

Barry T. Hirsch

IZA Institute of Labor Economics; Georgia State University

Multiple version iconThere are 2 versions of this paper

Date Written: November 1, 2010

Abstract

This paper explores the relationship between economic performance and US unionism, focusing first on what we do and do not know based on empirical research handicapped by limited data on establishment and firm level collective bargaining coverage. Evidence on the relationship of unions with wages, productivity, profitability, investment, debt, employment growth, and business failures are all relevant in assessing the future of unions and public policy with respect to unions. A reasonably coherent story emerges from the empirical literature, albeit one that rests heavily on evidence that is dated and (arguably) unable to identify truly causal effects. The paper’s principal thesis is that union decline has been tied fundamentally to competitive forces and economic dynamism. Implications of these findings for labor law policy and the future of worker voice institutions is discussed briefly in a final section.

Suggested Citation

Hirsch, Barry T. and Hirsch, Barry T., Unions, Dynamism, and Economic Performance (November 1, 2010). Andrew Young School of Policy Studies Research Paper Series No. 10-08, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1717146 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1717146

Barry T. Hirsch (Contact Author)

Georgia State University ( email )

Department of Economics
Andrew Young School of Policy Studies
Atlanta, GA 30302-3992
United States
404-413-0880 (Phone)
404-413-0145 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://unionstats.gsu.edu/bhirsch

IZA Institute of Labor Economics

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