Abstract
Free riders are employees who are covered by collective bargaining agreements but are not union members. This article examines the choice between free-rider status and union membership. A discriminant analysis of data from the 1988Current Population Survey identifies employee characteristics that distinguish free riders from union members. Factors influencing the decision to be a free rider, including the knowledge of available options, the preferential treatment of union members, the value of reputation, and union consciousness are discussed. A probit analysis determines the extent to which earnings and proxy measures for the value of reputation and union consciousness affect free-rider status. Suggestions are made for extending the study of the free riders and for the design of internal organizing campaigns.
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