The Universalizing Effects of Unionism: Policy, Inequality and Disability

• In Event: 157 - Section on Labor and Labor Movements Paper Session. Open Topic on Labor and Labor Movements

Abstract

Unionism is often said to have a universalizing effect in improving the working conditions and economic wellbeing especially among members of historically disadvantaged groups. However, due to the interaction between unionism and the structure of the labor market, scholars have shown that not everyone equally benefits from unionization. When it comes to disability, there is an added legal and policy dimension with regards to the so-called “irreconcilable conflicts” between the National Labor Relations Act (NRLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA sought to secure individual rights of people with disabilities in the labor market while union collective bargaining agreements emphasize the collective rights of workers. Our findings suggest that accommodations may not be a problem for those unionized workers with severe limitations as they tend to benefit the most from being union members. This also has important policy implications when it comes to understanding persistent labor market inequalities among people with disabilities as unionization offers a solution for helping those workers (with severe or most prejudiced disabilities) who face the most labor market obstacles, including discrimination.

Authors

• Michelle Lee Maroto, University of Alberta

• David Nicholas Pettinicchio, University of Toronto