Labor Unions - Assessment

Answer the following questions:

1. Are unions a good idea? Evaluate the claim by the AFL-CIO (www.aflcio.org/uniondifference/index.htm) that "union membership helps raise workers' pay and narrow the income gap that disadvantages minorities and women."

2. Do union workers really earn higher wages? Log on to www.bls.gov/opub/cwc to find out. What is the wage differential for union vs. nonunion members in private industry? Also try www.bls.gov/opub/cwc/archive.htm.