Voice Effects of Public Sector Unions on Turnover: Evidence From Teacher Contracts

Abstract

Based on Hirschman's exit and voice model, this article examines the impact of voice mechanisms on turnover using the case of teacher unions in New York State. In addition, we intend to identify heterogeneous effects of voice mechanisms on turnover depending on observable teacher characteristics. Our findings reveal that school districts with stronger grievance procedures are associated with low turnover at the individual level. These results shed light on public sector union literature as well as the studies on the relationship between turnover and performance.