Union Certification in Ontario: Its Effect on the Value of the Firm.

Event study methodology is used to determine the effect of union certification in Ontario on the expected profitability of firms. Raid and nonraid applications and the method of certification are examined. Contrary to expectations, the authors find no strong negative response to certification applications in most cases. In general, the more contentious the certification process, the greater the negative abnormal returns. This is not only true within Ontario but also when the the authors' results are compared to those of the United States. Coauthors are Robert Hanrahan, Joseph Kushner, and Isidore Masse.