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Minimum Wages, Employment and Monopsonistic Competition

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  • Bhaskar, V
  • To, Ted

Abstract

We set out a model of monopsonistic competition, where each employer competes equally with every other employer. The employment effects of minimum wages depend on the degree of distortion in the labor market. If fixed costs per firm are high then the labor market is relatively non-competitive and minimum wages increase employment. Conversely, low fixed costs make for a more competitive labor market where minimum wages reduce employment. This contrasts with the results of a Salop style model with localized employer competition where a minimum wage unambiguously raises employment. We also find that the welfare effect of a small minimum wage is unambiguously positive.

Suggested Citation

  • Bhaskar, V & To, Ted, 2002. "Minimum Wages, Employment and Monopsonistic Competition," Economics Discussion Papers 8850, University of Essex, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:esx:essedp:8850
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Burdett, Kenneth & Mortensen, Dale T, 1998. "Wage Differentials, Employer Size, and Unemployment," International Economic Review, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association, vol. 39(2), pages 257-273, May.
    2. Michael Sattinger, 1984. "Value of an Additional Firm in Monopolistic Competition," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 51(2), pages 321-332.
    3. Bhaskar, V & To, Ted, 1999. "Minimum Wages for Ronald McDonald Monopsonies: A Theory of Monopsonistic Competition," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 109(455), pages 190-203, April.
    4. Alan Manning & Ted To, 2002. "Oligopsony and Monopsonistic Competition in Labor Markets," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 16(2), pages 155-174, Spring.
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