UNIONS, WOMEN, AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE JOBLESS RECOVERY

HEDAYEH SAMAVATI
CAROLYN FABIAN STUMPH

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DOI: 10.2190/0AQF-6XDB-FXUH-UDC0

Abstract

This article examines trends in salaries and employment for union-affiliated men and women. The special characteristics of the current jobless recovery have implications for the relative position of the unionized and nonunionized workers and further implications for the wage and benefits of women in particular. Through the use of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Economic Policy Institute, trend analysis leads to several vital conclusions. First, the loss of union positions in the private sector is solely responsible for the economy's decline in the rate of unionization. Second, unions help working women achieve equity with their male counterparts so that declining unionization rates prevent an avenue of advancement for women. Third, the recent loss of union and manufacturing jobs has important effects on overall worker income and additional effects on income distribution. The implications of an economy that continues to grow at a slow pace with sluggish job growth must be understood before policy makers' attention can be drawn to this important matter.

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