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Markups in a dual labour market: The case of the Netherlands

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  • van Heuvelen, Gerrit Hugo
  • Bettendorf, Leon
  • Meijerink, Gerdien

Abstract

We follow the production function approach to assess markups, which requires the estimation of the output elasticity of a flexible input. In the basic setup we estimate a structural value added production function, using temporary contract hours as flexible input. We find rather stable markups in the Netherlands in the period 2006–2016. We show that extending the flexible input incorrectly with fixed contract hours results in an increasing markup. Findings are robust to an alternative setup, in which a gross output production function is specified and materials are used as flexible input. Implications for applied work and policy are discussed.

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  • van Heuvelen, Gerrit Hugo & Bettendorf, Leon & Meijerink, Gerdien, 2021. "Markups in a dual labour market: The case of the Netherlands," International Journal of Industrial Organization, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:indorg:v:77:y:2021:i:c:s0167718721000552
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijindorg.2021.102762
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    Cited by:

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    4. Dolores Añon Higón & Ionnanis Bournakis, 2024. "Global Value Chains (GVCs) participation and Markups," Working Papers 2403, Department of Applied Economics II, Universidad de Valencia.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Markups; Flexible input; Flexible contract labour;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J30 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - General
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
    • J41 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Labor Contracts
    • J62 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Job, Occupational and Intergenerational Mobility; Promotion

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