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The Determinants of U.S. Labor Disputes

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  • Cramton, Peter C
  • Tracy, Joseph S

Abstract

The authors present a bargaining model of union contract negotiations in which the union decides between two threats: the union can strike or it can continue to work under the expired contract. The model makes predictions about the level of dispute activity and the form disputes take. Strike incidence increases as the strike threat becomes more attractive because of low unemployment or a real wage drop. The authors test these predictions by estimating logistic models of dispute incidence and dispute composition for negotiations from 1970 to 1989. They find support for the model's key predictions but these associations are weaker after 1981. Copyright 1994 by University of Chicago Press.

Suggested Citation

  • Cramton, Peter C & Tracy, Joseph S, 1994. "The Determinants of U.S. Labor Disputes," Journal of Labor Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 12(2), pages 180-209, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucp:jlabec:v:12:y:1994:i:2:p:180-209
    DOI: 10.1086/298355
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C78 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Bargaining Theory; Matching Theory
    • J52 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor-Management Relations, Trade Unions, and Collective Bargaining - - - Dispute Resolution: Strikes, Arbitration, and Mediation
    • C25 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Discrete Regression and Qualitative Choice Models; Discrete Regressors; Proportions; Probabilities

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