Why So Unhappy? The Effects of Unionization on Job Satisfaction*

B-Tier
Journal: Oxford Bulletin of Economics and Statistics
Year: 2010
Volume: 72
Issue: 3
Pages: 357-380

Score contribution per author:

0.670 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

Using linked employer–employee data we investigate the job satisfaction effect of union membership in Britain. We develop a model that simultaneously controls for the determinants of individual membership status and for the selection of employees into occupations according to union coverage. We find a negative association between membership and satisfaction. However, having accounted for selection effects, we find that the negative association is confined to non‐covered employees. This is consistent with ‘voice’ effects, whereby non‐covered members voice dissatisfaction to achieve union goals, and with the possibility that membership increases preferences for collective bargaining, thus lowering members’ satisfaction in non‐covered environments.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:bla:obuest:v:72:y:2010:i:3:p:357-380
Journal Field
General
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-24