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Labor Unions and Workplace Safety

Author

Listed:
  • Ling Li
  • Shawn Rohlin
  • Perry Singleton

Abstract

The authors examine the effect of labor unions on workplace safety. For identification, they exploit the timing and outcome of union elections, using establishments in which elections narrowly fail as a comparison group for establishments in which elections narrowly pass. Data on elections come from the National Labor Relations Board, and data on workplace safety come from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The results indicate that unionization had no detectable effect on accident case rates at the mean, but shifted downward the case-rate distribution below 2 cases per 100 full-time equivalent workers annually. The downward shift is most evident among larger bargaining units and manufacturing establishments. Results at the higher end of case-rate distribution are inconclusive.

Suggested Citation

  • Ling Li & Shawn Rohlin & Perry Singleton, 2022. "Labor Unions and Workplace Safety," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 75(2), pages 402-426, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ilrrev:v:75:y:2022:i:2:p:402-426
    DOI: 10.1177/0019793920958417
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Ling Li & Perry Singleton, 2019. "The Effect of Workplace Inspections on Worker Safety," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 72(3), pages 718-748, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Magnus Schauf & Eline Schoonjans, 2022. "Better Safe than Sorry: Toxic Waste Management after Unionization," Working Papers 220, Bavarian Graduate Program in Economics (BGPE).
    2. Lai, Tat-kei & Lu, Yi & Ng, Travis, 2022. "Import Competition and Workplace Safety in the U.S. Manufacturing Sector," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 203(C), pages 24-42.
    3. Anand, Amitabh & Doll, Jessica L. & Centobelli, Piera & Singh, Sanjay Kumar & Cerchione, Roberto, 2023. "Struck by a cupid’s arrow: The conjuring bliss and sinister shades of employee workplace romance," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 154(C).

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