Selected labor market indicators and the introduction of a large General Motors assembly plant into the Oklahoma City SMSA
Abstract
Scope and Method of Study: This study explored the relationship between the opening of the General Motors plant in Oklahoma City and selected labor market indicators such as turnover, changes in employment levels between industries, changes in wages, and changes in rates of unionization. Data obtained from Oklahoma Labor Market was used in four stepwise regression equations to explore their relationship with the opening of the General Motors plant. A Delphi study was utilized to predict changes in unionization, real wages and scarcity of labor over the next five years. Five individuals representing unions, management, and a manpower agency participated in the three rounds of the Delphi procedure. Findings and Conclusions: The study found a significant negative relationship between Oklahoma City total manufacturing quits and the Oklahoma City unemployment rate. Also, a positive relationship was found to exist between the opening of the General Motors plant and an increase in turnover for manufacturing and non-manufacturing industries in Oklahoma City. A negative relationship was found between the opening of the General Motors plant and the Oklahoma City unemployment rate. The Delphi study predicted a shortage of skilled labor such as that required by the General Motors plant as well as an increase in real wages and unionization over the next five years.
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- OSU Master's Report [734]