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Low-Wage Labor Markets and the Power of Suggestion

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Author Info
Natalya Y. Shelkova (University of Connecticut)

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Abstract

Low-wage labor markets are traditionally viewed as competitive, and the possibility of strategic behavior by employers is dismissed. However, such behavior is not impossible. This paper investigates the possibility of tacit collusion by low-wage employers while setting wages. A game-theoretic explanation along the lines of the Folk theorem is offered, suggesting that a non-binding minimum wage may serve as a focal point for tacit collusion, proposing a symmetric solution to an infinitely played game of wage-setting. Several empirical techniques were employed in testing the hypothesis, including hurdle models of collusion. CPS monthly data is used for the years 1990-2005, covering the last four federal minimum wage increases. The likelihood of collusion at minimum wage is evaluated, as well as its dynamics during this period. The results generally support the collusion hypothesis and suggest that employers respond strategically to changes in minimum wage legislation while using the statutory minimum wage as a coordination tool in tacit collusion.

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Paper provided by University of Connecticut, Department of Economics in its series Working papers with number 2008-33.

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Length: 48 pages
Date of creation: Sep 2008
Date of revision: Dec 2008
Handle: RePEc:uct:uconnp:2008-33

Note: I thank my adviser Christian Zimmermann for advice and support; professors Alpert, Couch, Dharmapala and Furtado for their discussions and comments; participants of the 2008 IRS Sundance Conference on Monopsony, particularly David Card, 2008 SOLE meetings, 10th IZA Summer School in Labor Economics, and UConn brownbag seminars for their input. All remaining mistakes are my own.
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Postal: University of Connecticut 341 Mansfield Road, Unit 1063 Storrs, CT 06269-1063
Phone: (860) 486-4889
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Web page: http://www.econ.uconn.edu/
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Related research
Keywords: minimum wage; low-wage markets; collusion; tacit collusion; focal points;

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Find related papers by JEL classification:
J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
J38 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Public Policy
J42 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Monopsony; Segmented Labor Markets
L10 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - General

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