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Are unions good for productivity?

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Abstract

This paper presents a critical view of the thesis, associated with Harvard analysts, that unions ‘cause’ higher productivity. It is argued that the research results of this controversial literature are to be regarded with considerable skepticism, not least because of the limited empirical and theoretical content of the underlying model.

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I am indebted to Andy Barnett for his helpful comments on this paper. The usual disclaimer attaches.

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Addison, J.T. Are unions good for productivity?. Journal of Labor Research 3, 125–138 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02685178

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