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Economic values, support of labor unions, and salience of occupational licensing in the European Union

Author

Listed:
  • Andres Marroquin

    (Mercer University)

  • Edward J. Timmons

    (West Virginia University)

Abstract

A large and growing literature has emerged in recent years on the effects of occupational licensing. What is less understood is the political origins of licensing. Using Europe as a case study, we examine: 1) the relationship between economic values at the country level and the percentage of licensed workers and 2) the relationship between union participation and percentage of licensed workers. We find some evidence that more pro-market countries tend to have fewer licensed workers, but the results are not statistically significant. We also find a negative correlation between support for labor unions and percentage of licensed workers at the country level – which indicates a possible competition between unions and licensing associations. Overall, our results are consistent with trends in union membership and occupational licensing in the US.

Suggested Citation

  • Andres Marroquin & Edward J. Timmons, 2024. "Economic values, support of labor unions, and salience of occupational licensing in the European Union," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 44(4), pages 1338-1347.
    • Handle: RePEc:ebl:ecbull:eb-24-00137
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    occupational licensing; economic values;

    JEL classification:

    • J4 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets
    • K2 - Law and Economics - - Regulation and Business Law

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