Working Paper: NBER ID: w13212
Authors: Thomas J. Holmes; Michael Walrath
Abstract: This paper examines the membership dynamics of union local organizations. The analysis links across time the reports labor organizations file as part of the Labor Organization Reporting System (LORS). Analogous to findings in the labor dynamics literature, we find substantial reallocation of membership across locals. While overall there is net decline, there is significant positive gross membership creation for some local organizations.
Keywords: Union Membership; Labor Economics; Gross Flows
JEL Codes: J5
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| local organizing activities (L39) | gross membership creation (J20) |
| Service Employees International Union (SEIU) (J51) | gross membership creation (J20) |
| net decline in overall union membership (J50) | local union membership dynamics (J51) |