Final answer:
The statement that unionized firms provide fewer training hours than nonunion firms is false. Unions contribute to higher worker productivity by offering job training and apprenticeships, and by incentivizing longer job tenure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that unionized firms provide a lesser percentage of training hours through formal, structured programs than nonunion firms is false. Union workers often have higher productivity than their nonunion counterparts, which can be attributed to several factors. Higher wages in unionized positions tend to motivate greater productivity. Moreover, union workers typically remain in their positions longer, leading to reduced training and hiring costs for employers. This increased job tenure results in a more experienced workforce.
Additionally, unions frequently facilitate job training and apprenticeship programs, providing workers with the skills necessary to meet job requirements and adapt to new technologies, thus potentially offering more formal training than found in nonunionized settings. Therefore, it seems that unions play a significant role in the provision of worker training, refuting the statement in question.