Collective Bargaining and Productivity

Collective Bargaining and Productivity: The Longshore Mechanization Agreement provides a meticulous analysis of the transformative effects of collective bargaining on productivity within the Pacific Coast longshore industry. Authored by Professor Hartman, this work explores the complex evolution of union work rules, transitioning from restrictive practices to innovative agreements that catalyzed efficiency. Central to the book is the 1960 Mechanization and Modernization Agreement, a groundbreaking labor contract that traded outdated practices for modernization, showcasing how effective union leadership can drive significant change. By dissecting the interplay between union dynamics, employer negotiations, and industry-wide practices, Hartman presents a comprehensive study of productivity, labor relations, and the shifting role of unions in an evolving economy.

The book's quantitative approach offers pioneering insights, particularly in its analysis of the impact of relaxed work rules on productivity. Hartman’s findings reveal that post-agreement productivity surged by a third within five years, driven largely by the elimination of inefficient practices rather than increased mechanization. This research challenges conventional theories, introducing concepts such as the "negotiated production function" to explain how tailored rules shaped labor-capital dynamics. Beyond its academic significance, this volume offers practical policy implications, serving as a vital resource for labor leaders, policymakers, and scholars seeking to understand how collective bargaining can adapt to and shape economic realities. From historical insights to forward-looking strategies, this work underscores the transformative potential of collaboration in labor relations.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1969.