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The elasticity of demand for union labor can be reduced by;<br />

a. Reducing the availability of substitute factors. The number of substitute factors is a<br />

determinant of the elasticity of demand for labor (see Chapter 24). The fewer the number of<br />

substitute factors for labor, the less elastic the demand for labor.<br />

Example 2A: Unions have often attempted to achieve their goals through the political process.<br />

To reduce the availability of substitute factors, unions would support restrictions on immigration<br />

and restrictions on the employment of nonunion workers during strikes.<br />

b. Reducing the availability of substitute products. Another determinant of the elasticity of<br />

demand for labor is the price elasticity of demand for the product that the labor produces<br />

(see Chapter 24). The less elastic the demand for the product, the less elastic the demand<br />

for the labor that produces the product. Reducing the availability of substitute products<br />

reduces the elasticity of demand for the product. Reducing the elasticity of demand for the<br />

product reduces the elasticity of demand for labor.<br />

Example 2B: To reduce the availability of substitute products, a union of widget workers would<br />

support legislation restricting imported widgets. Likewise, a union of public school teachers would<br />

oppose legislation providing for school vouchers that could be used to pay tuition at private<br />

schools.<br />

2. Increase the demand for union labor. An increase in the demand for union labor will result in<br />

more union jobs at every wage rate.<br />

Example 3A: Assume that the labor demand curve from Example 1B shifts to the right. A greater<br />

quantity of labor will be employed at every wage rate.<br />

Wage<br />

Rate<br />

$24 -<br />

21 -<br />

18 -<br />

15 -<br />

12 -<br />

9-<br />

z<br />

0 <br />

0 3 6 9 12 15 18<br />

The demand for union labor can be increased by;<br />

Quantity of Labor (thousands of hours)<br />

D = MRP<br />

a. Increasing product demand. The demand for a factor (like labor) is derived from the<br />

demand for what the factor produces (see Chapter 24). An increase in the demand for the<br />

product will cause an increase in the demand for the labor that produces the product.<br />

FOR REVIEW ONLY - NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION<br />

25 - 3 Labor Unions

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