ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the key concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book. The book summarizes findings on estimated union effects and on the variation in research design that affects estimates, and suggests for future research to address open questions and policy issues. The chapter presents meta-analyses around Freeman and Medoff's What Do Unions Do? as the book that set the theoretical and empirical framework for three to four decades of ensuing union research. The biggest weakness in What Do Unions Do? is that, notwithstanding the broad title question, the book dealt almost exclusively with US evidence. The correlations between unionism and investment in physical and intangible capital and reduction in profits became less negative over time. Finally, union activities almost invariably trade off some economic efficiency for the greater justice at workplaces and reduced inequalities valued by persons.
