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ILR Impact Brief - Collective Bargaining Remains the Linchpin of Worker Representation

Author
Givan, Rebecca
Abstract
[Excerpt] The decline in union density and collective bargaining coverage has created a representation gap that civil society organizations only partially bridge. Their offer of mutual insurance and political and legal advocacy on issues of concern to workers is no substitute for collective bargaining, a function that resides entirely within the union portfolio. Growing wage inequality is the clearest indication that representation without bargaining provides workers little protection against the power of employers and “the state.” Alliances between unions and civil society organizations may help labor reach potential members and advance workers’ non-bargaining interests.
Journal/Series
Impact Brief
Description
The ILR Impact Brief series highlights the research and project based work conducted by ILR faculty that is relevant to workplace issues and public policy. The Briefs are prepared by Maralyn Edid, Senior Extension Associate, ILR School.
Date Issued
2008-06-23Subject
collective bargaining; union density; wage inequality; unionization
Related to
For a more in-depth analysis, please see: Givan, R. K. (2007). Side by side we battle onward? Representing workers in contemporary America. British Journal of Industrial Relations, 45(4), 829-855.
Rights
Required Publisher Statement: Copyright by Cornell University.
Type
newsletter