Why Do Workers Join Trade Unions?

Authors

  • Damiano Kulundu Manda University of Nairobi
  • Germano Mwabu University of Nairobi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56279/ter.v9i2.49

Keywords:

trade union membership, union density, manufacturing; Kenya

Abstract

This paper uses data from manufacturing firms in Kenya to analyse the determinants of trade unionism. Matched worker-firm data from a recent Kenya manufacturing enterprise survey is used to estimate a reduced-form probit model of union membership. The results show that the likelihood of being a union member decreases with schooling; but is higher for full-time, married, and city employees. We conclude that Kenyan workers become union members to protect job tenure and to improve working conditions.


JEL Classification: J32, J51, J52

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Author Biographies

Damiano Kulundu Manda, University of Nairobi

School of Economics, University of Nairobi

Germano Mwabu, University of Nairobi

School of Economics, University of Nairobi

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Published

2019-12-31

How to Cite

Manda, D., & Mwabu, G. (2019). Why Do Workers Join Trade Unions?. Tanzanian Economic Review, 9(2), 119-140. https://doi.org/10.56279/ter.v9i2.49

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 2 (2019): Tanzanian Economic Review

Section

Articles