Unions and the Workplace: Lessons from Economic Research
Time and Date
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Location
NEW LOCATION and NEW FOOD VENDOR!
Anne Arundel County IAFF Local 1563
8684 Veterans Hwy, 4th Floor
Millersville, MD 21108
Speaker
Joseph Pickens, labor economics assistant professor at United States Naval Academy
Joseph Pickens is an Assistant Professor of Economics at the United States Naval Academy, where he teaches macroeconomics, labor economics, and public finance. His research spans several areas of labor economics, including private sector unions, employment protections, scheduling laws, labor force participation, marriage, discrimination, and employment of those with criminal records. Joseph received his Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Minnesota in 2023, and has a background in theoretical math from Carnegie Mellon University.
Summary of Presentation
Title: “Unions and the Workplace: Lessons from Economic Research”
What does economic research tell us about the impact of unions on workers, employers, and workplaces? This presentation provides an accessible review of the evidence on unions, including their effects on wages and benefits, inequality, worker turnover, productivity, and other workplace outcomes. I will distinguish between common perceptions about unions and what the research actually shows, while highlighting areas where the evidence remains unsettled. The discussion will focus on practical takeaways for labor relations professionals, HR practitioners, union leaders, and employers.
Cost and Registration
$45 Members
$65 Non-Members
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