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Inequality and unionization within the United States

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  • Meszaros, John

Abstract

Using data on U.S. state-level inequality from Frank, Sommeiller, Price, and Saez (2016) and state-level unionization data from Hirsch et al. (2001), this paper shows that unions have a negative impact on income inequality in U.S. states. In particular, higher rates of unionization decreased inequality, as measured by the Gini coefficient, the share of income accruing to the top 1% of earners, and the share of income accruing to the top 10% of earners. The findings are robust across several estimation methods and also when union coverage is used as an alternative to the percent of workers in unions.

Suggested Citation

  • Meszaros, John, 2018. "Inequality and unionization within the United States," The Quarterly Review of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 67(C), pages 326-333.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:quaeco:v:67:y:2018:i:c:p:326-333
    DOI: 10.1016/j.qref.2017.07.013
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Labor unions; Labor institutions; Income inequality;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J50 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor-Management Relations, Trade Unions, and Collective Bargaining - - - General
    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution

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