Abstract
Using data on U.S. state-level unionization from Hirsch et al. (2001) and the club convergence test developed by Phillips and Sul (2007, 2009), this paper shows that U.S. states have distinct groupings in terms of the level of unionization. In particular, the states in the American South generally belong to their own low union density groups. Further, states in the Northeast (such as New York) and the Great Lakes regions (Michigan, Ohio) tend to have higher levels of unionization and form their own convergence clubs.
Highlights
Labor union density in the United States has changed dramatically over the last few decades
Labor unions have been in decline in the U.S since the late 1960s and much qualitative work has been done describing this decline and the differences in unionization among states
Using the Phillips and Sul (2007, 2009) club convergence method, this paper shows that the U.S does not appear to be entering a low union density regime considering the nation as a whole
Summary
Labor union density in the United States has changed dramatically over the last few decades. This was not always the case, as there was a distinct rise (from the 1930s to 1950s) and a distinct fall from the 1960s to the present (see Brennan (2016) p. Labor union membership has declined consistently across the U.S, it is likely that, for historical or political reasons, certain areas of the country may be reacting differently to the changing political and global economic environment.
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