HW Unemployment Assignment - Contrasting Labor Union Laws in two states - 1

A discussion of labor unions usually evokes strong feelings. Some people argue vigorously against labor unions; others argue with equal vigor for them. Some people see labor unions as the reason the workers in this country enjoy as high a standard of living as they do; others see labor unions as the reason the country is not so well off economically as it might be. Speculate on why the topic of labor unions generates such strong feelings and emotions--often with little analysis.  200 word minimum

Consider two states that adopt different laws concerning labor unions. The following graph shows the labor market in a state in the North. Initially, the market-clearing wage there is $8.00 per hour. Suppose that the legislature in this northern state passes laws that make it easy for workers to join a union. Through collective bargaining, the union negotiates a wage of $10.00 per hour.   At the union wage, how many union workers will be employed?

In the following table, identify which side of the labor market is affected by labor unions' practices. Practice by Labor Union Union supports legislation that reduces imports of the product produced by union labor. Union organizes training programs for new entrants. Union requires new hires to become a member within a certain time after being employed. The Demand for Union Labor The Supply for Union Labor

Part I: Suppose the firm's labor demand curve is given by: w = 60 – 0.03E where w is the hourly wage andE is the level of employment. Suppose also that the union's utility function is given by: U = w x E The marginal utility of the wage for the union is E and the marginal utility of employment is w. (a) How many workers will be employed under a monopoly union contract? (b) What wage would a monopoly union demand?

In the following table, identify which side of the labor market is affected by labor unions' practices. Practice by Labor Union Union supports legislation that increases the price of imports of the product produced by union labor. Union lobbies for an increase in the minimum wage. Union imposes rigid certification requirements for all employees. The Demand for Union Labor The Supply for Union Labor

Suppose that a car factory initially hires 1,600 workers at $20 per hour and that each worker works 40 hours per week. Then the factory unionizes, and the new union demands that wages be raised by 25 percent. The firm accedes to that request in collective bargaining negotiations but then decides to cut the factory’s labor force by 30 percent due to the higher labor costs.

address the following prompt: Explain the paradox that establishing a union can increase both wages and employment, but once the union is established it must trade off increases in one for the other.

Describe the two basic strategies of unions in increasing wage rates for their members.

Consider two provinces that adopt different laws concerning labour unions. The following graph shows the labour market in a province in the West. Initially, the market-clearing wage is $10 per hour. Suppose that the legislature in this western province passes laws that make it easy for workers to join a union. Through collective bargaining, the union negotiates a wage of $16 per hour. Use the black point (plus symbol) to show how many union workers will be employed at the $16 wage. (Hint: Be sure to place the point on the appropriate curve.) Labour Market in the West 20 18 Union Negotiations 16 14 Supply 12 10 2 Demand ㅇ 4 6 8 10 12 14 18 18 20 LABOUR (Millions of workers) The following graph shows the labour market in a province in Eastern Canada. The legislature in this province passes strong right-to-work laws that make it very difficult for unions to organize workers, so the wage is always equal to the market-clearing value. Except for this difference in legislation, the two…

Consider two provinces that adopt different laws concerning labour unions. The following graph shows the labour market in a province in the West. Initially, the market-clearing wage is $5 per hour. Suppose that the legislature in this western province passes laws that make it easy for workers to join a union. Through collective bargaining, the union negotiates a wage of $7 per hour.   Use the black point (plus symbol) to show how many union workers will be employed at the $7 wage. (Hint: Be sure to place the point on the appropriate curve.)

15. Unionized workers tend to have higher wages than non-unionized workers in the same industries. Explain why this happens, in your own words.

Discuss how both unions and firms can be better off if they move off the demand curve. Derive the contract curve.

Briefly describe "social movement" unionism. Discuss whether, in your judgment, the changes proposed by advocates of "social movement" unionism would result in significantly changed conditions for U.S. workers.