The Effect of Unions on Minority Representation in Building Trades Apprenticeship Programs

This paper uses program-level data to compare the relative representation of Blacks and Latinos in the construction industry apprenticeship programs organized with and without trade union participation. Econometric analysis shows that there are significant differences between the Black and Latino experiences. The Black share is higher in union-management joint programs but the Latino share appears to be higher in the unilateral employer programs. It is also observed that while both groups have lower representation in the higher-status (electrical and mechanical) and higher-paying occupations, the Latino share is more sensitive to earnings.