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Union Effects and Earnings Dispersion in Australia, 1986-1994

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  • Jeff Borland

    (Australian National University)

Abstract

In Australia, a large decline in union density has occurred since the mid-1970's. This paper examines the relation between the decline in union density and the dispersion of earnings in Australia between 1986 and 1994. Changes in union density are found to be associated with an increase in earnings dispersion for male employees over this period, but do not appear to be strongly related to changes in earnings dispersion for female employees. The main cause of changes in earnings dispersion for both male and female employees has been an increase in the dispersion of earnings of nonunion employees.

Suggested Citation

  • Jeff Borland, 1994. "Union Effects and Earnings Dispersion in Australia, 1986-1994," Canadian International Labour Network Working Papers 04, McMaster University.
    • Handle: RePEc:mcm:cilnwp:04
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. David Card, 1992. "The Effect of Unions on the Distribution of Wages: Redistribution or Relabelling?," NBER Working Papers 4195, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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    15. repec:bla:ecorec:v:69:y:1993:i:206:p:315-42 is not listed on IDEAS
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    Cited by:

    1. Jeff Borland & Michael Coelli, 2016. "Labour Market Inequality in Australia," The Economic Record, The Economic Society of Australia, vol. 92(299), pages 517-547, December.
    2. Jeff Borland, 1999. "Earnings Inequality in Australia: Changes, Causes and Consequences," The Economic Record, The Economic Society of Australia, vol. 75(2), pages 177-202, June.

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