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Relationship between leverage and the bargaining power of labor unions: evidence from theoretical and empirical perspectives

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  • Chil Sun Choi
  • Pando Sohn
  • Ji-Yong Seo

Abstract

This study examines whether a firm’s leverage can be used strategically to improve its bargaining position with an organized labor union using samples of non-financial firms listed on the Korean Stock Exchange (KSE) from 1999 to 2013. Through empirical testing, we find that the portfolio with the lowest union labor coverage has the lowest leverage, while the portfolio with the highest union labor coverage has the highest leverage. We also find that collective bargaining power positively affects leverage through the regression of leverage on the bargaining power of the labor union, regardless of the analysis methods, such as static and dynamic models. With a robustness test model that used the industry adjusted labor union concentration index (IUCI), we obtain evidence that collective bargaining power positively influences leverage, which corresponds with the regression results. In conclusion, we suggest the existence of evidence demonstrating that variables related to labor unions affect leverage levels, as suggested in previous studies.

Suggested Citation

  • Chil Sun Choi & Pando Sohn & Ji-Yong Seo, 2016. "Relationship between leverage and the bargaining power of labor unions: evidence from theoretical and empirical perspectives," Estudios de Economia, University of Chile, Department of Economics, vol. 43(1 Year 20), pages 53-69, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:udc:esteco:v:43:y:2016:i:1:p:53-69
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Ju Ryum Chung & Eun Jung Cho & Ho-Young Lee & Myungsoo Son, 2017. "The impact of labour unions on external auditor selection and audit scope: evidence from the Korean market," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 49(48), pages 4833-4850, October.
    2. Ilhang Shin & Sorah Park & Seong Pyo Cho & Seungho Choi, 2020. "The effect of labor unions on innovation and market valuation in business group affiliations: new evidence from South Korea," Asian Business & Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 19(2), pages 239-270, April.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Leverage; bargaining position; union labor coverage; static and dynamic models.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G30 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - General
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill

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