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Right-to-work laws and union density: New evidence from micro data

Journal of Labor Research volume 16, pages 223–229 (1995)Cite this article

Abstract

Although union density is much lower in Right-to-Work (RTW) states than in states permitting union shops, most studies have found that after correcting for omitted-variable and simultaneity biases, RTW laws do not have independent impact on union density. However, these studies typically use data sets which include certain government, agricultural, supervisory and transportation workers who are not subject to RTW legislation thus diluting the effect of RTW laws. When these employees are excluded from the data set, we find that RTW laws do significantly affect union density in the private sector.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Trinity University, 78212, San Antonio, TX

    Joe C. Davis & John H. Huston

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  1. Joe C. Davis
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  2. John H. Huston
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Davis, J.C., Huston, J.H. Right-to-work laws and union density: New evidence from micro data. Journal of Labor Research 16, 223–229 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02685742

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02685742

Keywords

  • Union Member
  • Union Membership
  • Union Density
  • National Labor Relation
  • Southern Economic Journal