Length of Service and Promotions in Union and Nonunion Work Groups

Abstract

This study provides evidence on the relative importance of seniority and ability in the promotion process in union and nonunion settings. The analysis is based on survey data collected from managers in a random sample of about 400 firms, supplemented by an examination of personnel records concerning the pattern of promotions in two manufacturing firms. The results show that, as expected, the weight assigned seniority is significantly greater in union than in nonunion settings, but the difference is smaller than many would have predicted.