The Impact of Regulatory Changes on Collective Bargaining Strategies and Outcomes: State of Ohio Electric and Gas Utility Companies

摘要

The report examines the influence of government regulation and change on labor-management relations within nine investor-owned gas and electric utility firms located in the State of Ohio. The authors assess the impact of market deregulation and social regulation (e.g., EEO and OSHA) on employment relationships and collective bargaining structures. The study discusses the impact that either increased or decreased regulation is likely to have on labor relations in traditionally regulated industries such as public utilities, railroads, airlines, trucking and maritime. It is concluded that, with respect to policy implications, mechanisms to ameliorate the potential disruptive effects of deregulation will need attention -- retraining of workers, incentives for employment growth, extended unemployment benefits and relocation allowances.