Testing the Mincer Hypothesis Using Explicit Training Variables

摘要

This paper empirically tests the Mincer Union Hypothesis regarding training. Specifically, does unionization increase the incidence of firm-specific training and decrease the incidence of general training? Using a supplemental questionnaire of the Current Population Survey (CPS), it is found that when training types are merged together, unionization is insignificant. However, when training types are analyzed separately, unionization has a positive impact on firm-specific training and a negative impact on general training. These results lend support to the Mincer Hypothesis and indicate that location of training may not be a good proxy for the type of training.