Working Paper: NBER ID: w9565
Authors: David Weil
Abstract: Implementation of workplace policies--whether through enforcement of laws or administration of programs--raises the question of the interaction between institutions created to carry out laws and the activities of workplace based agents that directly (e.g. unions) or indirectly (e.g. insurance companies) represent the interests of workers. This paper argues that there are two distinctive roles required for agents in the implementation of workplace policies. First, the agent must somehow help solve the public goods problem inherent in workplace regulation. Second, the agent must be able to reduce the marginal cost of exercising rights conferred to workers that are an important feature of most regulatory programs. This article examines these issues in regard to implementing workplace policies in the U.S. and analyzes the comparative effectiveness of different workplace agents- from labor unions to alternative dispute resolution systems- in fulfilling these roles.
Keywords: No keywords provided
JEL Codes: J58; J68; J71; L51; K31
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| presence of unions (J51) | enhanced ability of workers to exercise their rights (J83) |
| effectiveness of agents (L85) | better outcomes for workers in terms of compliance with workplace standards (J83) |
| supportive agents (L85) | mitigate barriers to exercising rights due to employer discrimination (J79) |