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'Dark as a dungeon': technological change and government policy in the deunionization of the American coal industry

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  • Kimberly ChristenseN

    (Sarah Lawrence College, USA)

Abstract

This paper provides historical context for the precipitous decline of unionization in coal. It examines the contributions of technological/geographic shifts, government land use and environmental policies, and the changing legal/political environment for unions. Finally, it explores the impact of the internal struggles within the UMW, particularly around the crucial 1978 coal strike.

Suggested Citation

  • Kimberly ChristenseN, 2014. "'Dark as a dungeon': technological change and government policy in the deunionization of the American coal industry," Review of Keynesian Economics, Edward Elgar Publishing, vol. 2(2), pages 147-170, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:elg:rokejn:v:2:y:2014:i:2:p147-170
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Alison D. Morantz, 2013. "Coal Mine Safety: Do Unions Make a Difference?," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 66(1), pages 88-116, January.
    2. Darmstadter, Joel, 1997. "Productivity Changes in U.S. Coal Mining," RFF Working Paper Series dp-97-40, Resources for the Future.
    3. Richard M. Simon, 1983. "Hard Times for Organized Labor in Appalachia," Review of Radical Political Economics, Union for Radical Political Economics, vol. 15(3), pages 21-34, September.
    4. Orley Ashenfelter & George E. Johnson, 1971. "Unionism, Relative Wages, and Labor Quality in U.S. Manufacturing Industries," Working Papers 382, Princeton University, Department of Economics, Industrial Relations Section..
    5. Lee, Lung-Fei, 1978. "Unionism and Wage Rates: A Simultaneous Equations Model with Qualitative and Limited Dependent Variables," International Economic Review, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association, vol. 19(2), pages 415-433, June.
    6. Ashenfelter, Orley & Johnson, George E, 1972. "Unionism, Relative Wages, and Labor Quality in U.S. Manufacturing Industries," International Economic Review, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association, vol. 13(3), pages 488-508, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kimberly Christensen, 2020. "The Social Structures of Accumulation and the Labor Movement: A Brief History and a Modest Proposal," Review of Radical Political Economics, Union for Radical Political Economics, vol. 52(3), pages 487-505, September.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    union; coal mining; technology; government policy; labor law; union reform;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J4 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets
    • J5 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor-Management Relations, Trade Unions, and Collective Bargaining
    • J8 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Standards
    • L7 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Primary Products and Construction

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