Reference Sources Wanted

Economics Economics Questions
1

Is anyone aware of any resources from a free-market perspective that refute organized labor union claims that they have “made the world better for workers”?

What I am looking for is a source, or sources, that show that paid vacations, paid half-hour lunch breaks, fire exits in factories and/or buildings and the like may not produce the net gains many people believe and that further, a free-market may have provided for many of these things eventually without violence, force or coercion.

I’m having difficulty locating a compilation that addresses the above mentioned (and more) in layman’s terms. Thanks in advance.

2

Great little document, if somewhat old. I’ve always been somewhat worried about the validity of the data but yea it would appear that this solves your problems at least for early America. Page 5

http://mises.org/books/whywagesrise.pdf

3

DiLorenzo is the go-to guy if you want tons of research and references.

Labor Market Superstitions (by Thomas DiLorenzo)

4

Thank you both so much!

5

Jeff Tucker’s article on Child Labor:

http://mises.org/daily/2858

George Reismann’s article “The Free Market And Job Safety”:

http://mises.org/daily/1143/The-Free-Market-and-Job-Safety

“Labor Economics From A Free Market Perspective” by Walter Block:

http://www.4shared.com/document/9LBexH6q/BLOCK_Walter_Labor_economics_f.html

6

..Don’t forget the other Tom…(Woods)

In 33 Questions About American History You’re Not Supposed to Ask there is a section on “Did unions make wages rise”, and I believe he touches on it in The Politically Incorrect Guide to American History.