The Relevance of the Wagner Act for Resolving Today's Job-Security Crisis

Abstract

In this paper I start with the simple observation that workers are more vulnerable in times of economic contraction than in times of economic growth. The purpose of my paper is two-fold. First is to unpack the underlying reasons for that phenomenon. Second is to propose a solution that makes workers less vulnerable during recession, and which employers can buy into. My solution - to compel bargaining over mass layoffs and plant closings regardless of whether the workers are unionized - is both economically efficient and values the autonomy and dignity of the worker.