The organization of local public employees: implications for the cost and quality of services

Anthony H. Pascal

Expert InsightsPublished 1979

Many local government employees work under collectively negotiated agreements, which significantly alter both budget levels and the nature of services provided to the public. Higher levels of organization have been attained in the public sector than in the private sector. Unionization in the public sector may have a larger effect on salary and noncompensation areas than in the private sector, with important implications for services received by the public. Because of the absence of systematic research, no accurate assessment is available of the budgetary and service quality effects of noncompensation items in negotiated contracts. Based on research on public school teachers, the author surmises that nonsalary costs are large and this trend will extend to other public employees. He concludes that economists need a more comprehensive view of the effects of unionism in the local public sector, including the wider implications on budgets and on the nature and quality of governmental services.

Document Details

  • Copyright: RAND Corporation
  • Availability: Web Only
  • Year: 1979
  • Pages: 14
  • Document Number: P-6338

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Pascal, Anthony H., The organization of local public employees: implications for the cost and quality of services. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1979. https://www.rand.org/pubs/papers/P6338.html.
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