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Influencing the Electorate: Experience with Referenda on Public Employee Bargaining

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  • Darold T. Barnum
  • I. B. Helburn

Abstract

This research develops a model of the factors influencing public opinion on labor relations issues and tests the model with data from local referenda, each determining whether a community would adopt the Texas Fire and Police Employee Relations Act of 1973 and thereby allow local police and firefighters to bargain collectively. Regression analysis is used to identify factors influencing the vote, the dependent variable being the percentage favoring adoption. Independent variables account for (1) structural influences of the type normally included in economic analyses, such as income levels and unionization rates; (2) situational influences of the type generally discussed in institutional case studies, such as the number and nature of opposing and supporting groups; and (3) interactions of these two types of variables. Structural characteristics are found to influence the vote only when certain situational, and interaction variables. The authors also conclude that referenda are a poor method of resolving labor relations issues.

Suggested Citation

  • Darold T. Barnum & I. B. Helburn, 1982. "Influencing the Electorate: Experience with Referenda on Public Employee Bargaining," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 35(3), pages 330-342, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ilrrev:v:35:y:1982:i:3:p:330-342
    DOI: 10.1177/001979398203500303
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    Cited by:

    1. Freeman, Richard B, 1986. "Unionism Comes to the Public Sector," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 24(1), pages 41-86, March.
    2. Jeffrey S. Zax, 1985. "Municipal Employment, Municipal Unions, and Demand for Municipal Services," NBER Working Papers 1728, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.

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