Beyond Gridlock: Advancing the American Dream in a Global Knowledge Economy via Distinct Models for Labor and Employment Relations Policy

Abstract

Twelve models of labor and employment relations in the United States are identified, each defined by a unique role in the overall policy system. An assessment of employment levels under each model reveals not only the dominance of the traditional, nonunion model, but also the degree to which it is not well defined under existing labor and employment policy; the relatively large number of United States citizens working under highly varied labor and employment policy regimes; and the lack of coherence of the system as a whole. In addition to debates about the union versus the nonunion models, the high-performance model, the small enterprise model, and the model in the not-for-profit sector are highlighted. Ultimately, lessons from across many models are needed to best advance the American Dream in a global knowledge economy.