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Accounting for the Decline in Private Sector Unionization: Representation Elections, Structural Change and Restructuring

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  • Thomas Karier

Abstract

During the 1980s several qualitative changes occurred in the union decline. First, net gains from certification (less decertification) elections fell to insignificant levels, tending to accelerate the union decline. On the other hand, union losses from the relative growth of nonunion services (structural change) also declined sharply as unionization rates became more homogeneous across sectors. As a consequence, virtually all changes in the unionization rate during the 1980s were caused by disproportional gains in nonunion employment within sectors (restructuring).

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas Karier, 1991. "Accounting for the Decline in Private Sector Unionization: Representation Elections, Structural Change and Restructuring," Economics Working Paper Archive wp_44, Levy Economics Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:lev:wrkpap:wp_44
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    1. Edward C. Kokkelenberg & Donna R. Sockell, 1985. "Union Membership in the United States, 1973–1981," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 38(4), pages 497-543, July.
    2. William T. Dickens & Jonathan S. Leonard, 1986. "Structural Changes in Unionization: 1973-1981," NBER Working Papers 1882, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    3. Freeman, Richard B, 1988. "Contraction and Expansion: The Divergence of Private Sector and Public Sector Unionism in the United States," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 2(2), pages 63-88, Spring.
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