The MLB players strike of 1994-1995

Introduction

In this paper we are going to analyze the strike tactics of Major League Baseball player's strike of 1994-1995. Strike tactics were discounted ticket prices for season games, replacement players in games, and picket lines of striking players. The strike tactics were varied within judgment scenarios (i.e., baseball game announcements) and fans' responses to scenarios were used as within-person variables to estimate tactic influences. Fans' perceptions of themselves (e.g., extent of fanship) and the strike situation (e.g., extent to which the dispute was perceived as a labor dispute) were used as between-person variables to predict individual differences in tactic influences.

The influence of tactics on support was examined under less hypothetical conditions than in prior studies, in that responses to tactics were provided by entertainment fans during the dispute. The dispute was the 1994-95 Major League Baseball players' strike against the franchise owners of Major League Baseball. Fans were individuals with high consumer ship of Major League Baseball. The tactics were: (a) discounted ticket prices for season games as announced by franchise owners; (b) replacement players in games as indicated by all but one owner; and (c) picket lines of striking players near game sites as indicated by the players' union (the Major League Players Association; MLPA). Fans were asked to rate their support for the strike by indicating what they would do with respect to fan activities when presented with information about season games with varying discounted prices, replacement players, and picket lines. Fans provided responses at a time when, short of a strike settlement, they expected that the tactics would be used (Arguel, 179) (Arguel, 179).

Strike Presentation

Simply put, a labor strike represents an organized refusal to work (Bluen, 1994). An employer faced with a strike may yield to the demands of striking workers, hire replacement workers (permanent or temporary), or move operations and employment elsewhere. From a union perspective, a strike is intended to send a message to the public that workers are discontented and feel mistreated (Stagner & Rosen, 1965). An important goal of the strike may be to gain support in the form of sympathy from consumers, and consequently from government officials, who in turn may pressure an employer to resolve the dispute. From a consumer perspective, a strike can be seen as a "public contest" for winning support. A picket line drawn near a work site serves as both a literal and symbolic point of contention. Strike tactics are designed by the disputing parties to convince consumers to either cross the line (e.g., consume) or honor the strike (e.g., boycott). The employer may lure consumers over the line with reduced prices, evidence of productive replacement workers, and commitment to long-term community goals. The union may counter with dedicated pickets who communicate their grievances to consumers and appeal to rights assumed or protected under labor law (Arguel, 179) (Arguel, 179).

Noneconomic studies on strikes (i.e., those that predict individual outcomes) have focused on variables that predict strike participation (e.g., Klandermans, 1986; Mellor, 1990; Schutt, 1982) ...