Sociology ETDs

Peter Catron

Publication Date

2-1-2012

Abstract

Prior research finds that in recent years immigrants had a higher propensity to unionize than native-born workers. Such research buttresses the hopes of both working class Hispanics, who view unions as a potential avenue to upward mobility, and union supporters who view immigrants as a potential source of union revival. However, there is little research that shows historically marginalized immigrant workers are able to maintain newly acquired union jobs, especially during times unfavorable to unionization more generally. Therefore, this paper focuses on immigrant unionization during the Great Recession of 2008 to determine whether the inroads that immigrants have made through organizing are maintained in hostile union environments. Using the Current Population Survey (CPS), I extend Rosenfeld and Kleykamps (2009) models for Hispanic unionization (which end in 2007) through the recent downturn and beyond. I find that Hispanic immigrants, who hold higher odds of union entry or membership in Rosenfeld and Kleykamp's prerecession analysis, lost union jobs at an increased rate during the Great Recession compared with white native-born workers. These effects for Hispanic immigrants filter throughout various subcategories and control variables that include years since entry, citizenship status, and nationality. These results are likely not the result of unfavorable labor market allocation of immigrants, and to some degree undercut the hopes of those who view immigrants as the key to organized labor's future and organized labor as the key to immigrant prosperity.

Degree Name

Sociology

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Sociology

First Committee Member (Chair)

Binder, Melissa

Second Committee Member

Roberts, John

Keywords

Recessions--United States--History--21st century, Immigrants--United States--Economic conditions--History--21st century, Hispanic Americans--Economic conditions--History--21st century, Labor unions--Organizing--United States--History--21st century

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

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