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Example 4A: Assume that the graph below represents labor market equilibrium without a union.<br />

The equilibrium wage rate is $15 and the equilibrium quantity of labor employed is 12,000 hours.<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 />

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

S<br />

D = MRP<br />

Example 4B: Now assume that the workers in Example 4A above form a union. The union<br />

negotiates on behalf of the workers, and threatens to strike unless the wage rate is increased to<br />

$18. The union wants to convince the management that the workers will strike if offered a wage<br />

below $18. If the union is willing to strike, the quantity of labor supplied will fall to zero if a wage<br />

below $18 is offered. The labor supply curve will be horizontal at $18. The MFC of labor will be<br />

$18 and MRP and MFC will be equal at 9,000 hours of labor. As illustrated on the graph below,<br />

the new wage rate will be $18 and the new quantity of labor employed will be 9,000 hours.<br />

Wage<br />

Rate<br />

$24 -<br />

21 -<br />

18 -<br />

15 -<br />

12 -<br />

9-<br />

S = MFC<br />

z<br />

0 <br />

0 3 6 9 12 15 18<br />

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

S<br />

D = MRP<br />

FOR REVIEW ONLY - NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION<br />

As seen in the Examples 4A and 4B, collective bargaining will generally result in higher wages<br />

and fewer workers employed.<br />

25 - 5 Labor Unions

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