Union wages, rents, and skills in health care labor markets

Article Abstract:

We examine the effect of unions on the earnings of health care workers, with emphasis on the measurement and sources of union wage premiums. Using data constructed from the 1973 through 1994 Current Population Surveys, standard union premium estimates are found to be substantially lower among workers in health care than in other sectors of the economy, and to be smaller among higher skill than among lower skill occupational groups. Longitudinal analysis of workers switching union status, which controls for worker-specific skills, indicates a small impact of unions on earnings within both high and low skilled health care occupations. Evidence is found for small, but significant, union threat effects in health care labor markets. It has been argued that recent legal changes in bargaining unit determination should enhance union organizing and bargaining power. Although we cannot rule this out, such effects are not readily apparent in our data. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)

Health Care, Health Care and Social Assistance, HEALTH SERVICES, Labor organizations, Labor Unions, Labor Unions and Similar Labor Organizations, Finance, Compensation and benefits, Medical care, Medical personnel, Union dues

---

Workplace hazards and workers' desires for union representation

Article Abstract:

This paper investigates "voice" responses to hazardous and otherwise disagreeable working conditions in the form of workers' expressed desires for union representation. Using data from three surveys conducted between 1977 and 1982, workers exposed to significant health and safety risks on the job are found to be substantially more likely to report a willingness to vote pro-union than are comparable workers not similarly exposed. This finding is obtained using both subjective and objective measures of hazard and both union and nonunion workers. Management resistance, however, appears to play a strong role in determining the actual extent of unionization. Between 41 and 48 percent of workers in hazardous jobs desire union representation but have not achieved it. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)

Research, Analysis, Safety and security measures, Occupational health and safety, Occupational safety and health, Work environment, Working class

---

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Protection products and services. Watching the detectors
• Abstracts: Deloitte & Touche changes women's minds. New skills equal new opportunities. Overtime compensation isn't as simple as it seems
• Abstracts: Million dollar babies. On site clinics: a corporate health care check-up. Cost management through case management
• Abstracts: Agency costs, property rights, and the evolution of labor unions
• Abstracts: Union organizing expenditures: determinants and their implications for union growth. Labor union effects on innovative activity

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.