Union women earning more, new study finds

[Omaha Steve]

http://wvgazette.com/News/200812130435

December 14, 2008


By Paul J. Nyden
Staff writer

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A new study shows West Virginia women who belong to unions get higher wages than those who do not. They are also more likely to get health and pension benefits.

In West Virginia, unionized women earn 8.4 percent more than their counterparts who are not union members. That comes out to 94 cents more in average hourly wages.

Nationally, union membership boosts women's wages by 11 percent, or an additional $2 an hour, over non-union women.

"Unions and Upward Mobility for Women," a research report by economist John Schmitt, was jointly released on Friday by the Center for Economic and Policy Research in Washington, D.C., and the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy.

"For women, joining a union makes as much sense as going to college," Schmitt said. "All else equal, joining a union raises a woman's wage as much as a full year of college and increases her chances of having health insurance by more than earning a four-year degree."

"Union coverage clearly improves the wages and benefits of West Virginia women," said Ted Boettner, executive director of the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy.

FULL story at link.