Determinants of the Outcomes of Union Certification Elections

Abstract

This study analyzes determinants of union election outcomes at the level of the work tunit. Within a theoretical framework of utility maximization, voting behavior is modeled as a function of the social psychology of groups, the econormic and sociopolitical environment, NLRB procedures, and the extent of union organization of the industry. Utilizing NLRB certification-election records for 1979, the author finds a negative relationship between unit size

Solidarity Revisited: Group-level Effects on Individual-level Union Voting

“…On the other hand, possible costs of this approach are that individuals may experience different degrees of social pressure, and some pressure may come from others outside of the group, while we limit the source of social pressure to only those within the group. Cooke (1983) recognized the relevance of such influences in union voting some time ago, noting, "Social-psychological research of group behavior strongly supports the belief that individual perceptions and opinions are shaped (or reshaped) substantially by the perceptions and opinions of others within a group" (p. 403). Yet, Cooke (1983) was able to incorporate this observation only indirectly in his study, in terms of hypothesizing and interpreting an election unit size effect.…”

“…Cooke (1983) recognized the relevance of such influences in union voting some time ago, noting, "Social-psychological research of group behavior strongly supports the belief that individual perceptions and opinions are shaped (or reshaped) substantially by the perceptions and opinions of others within a group" (p. 403). Yet, Cooke (1983) was able to incorporate this observation only indirectly in his study, in terms of hypothesizing and interpreting an election unit size effect. A purpose of this paper is to quantify employee inclinations to comply with their coworkers, albeit indirectly.…”

Fear of Reprisal for Disclosing Union Interest: Assessing the Effectiveness of Perceived Anti-Unionism

“…Suggested in these studies is the disruptive effect of anti-union tactics on election outcomes (see also Cooke 1983;Cornfield and Canak 2000;Dickens 1983;Freeman and Kleiner 1990;Lawler 1984;Reed 1989 for single campaign studies). To wit, Getman et al (1976) found that when anti-union tactics were not used during election campaigns, unions won all but two elections (a 75% win rate).…”

Modeling Demand For Unionization With Nontraditional Data Analysis Methods

“…Often, as establishment size increases, so does union membership. It would seem that the alienating effects of large-scale employment alone could be shown to have positive effects on unionism, but a negative size effect is supported more often (e.g., Cooke, 1983) with group cohesion, voice mechanism arguments, and union substitution effects cited. Once again, the linear relationship is called into question.…”