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Exclusive representation in public employment: A public choice perspective

  • Symposium Exclusivity Of Union Representation In The Public Sector
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Abstract

Public sector unionization has grown rapidly in recent years, and research has suggested that among the reasons for such growth is legislation granting special privileges to public employee unions. This paper examines one form of legislative privilege, exclusive representation, from a public choice perspective. It is shown that exclusivity reduces employees’ freedom of choice, increases the welfare of union leaders at the expense of union members, limits employment opportunities to “outsiders,” entrenches the monopoly provision of public services, and generates conflict and instability in labor relations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. George Mason University, 22030, Fairfax, VA

    Thomas J. DiLorenzo

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  1. Thomas J. DiLorenzo
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DiLorenzo, T.J. Exclusive representation in public employment: A public choice perspective. Journal of Labor Research 5, 371–389 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02685089

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