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Labor Standards and Economic Integration in the European Union: an Empirical Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Vivek H. Dehejia

    (Carleton University & CESifo)

  • Yiagadeesen Samy

    (Carleton University)

Abstract

This study is motivated by frequent calls to harmonize labor standards across countries, which result from the fear that economic integration (and the accompanying liberalization of trade flows) will lead to an erosion of working conditions, as countries deliberately try to reduce labor standards in order to maintain competitiveness. We empirically examine the conventional wisdom that labour standards are important determinants of trade performance and whether there has been a “race to the bottom” of standards across EU-15 countries with deeper integration. Our panel data estimates for the period 1980-2001 provide mixed evidence regarding the conventional wisdom and “σ-convergence” in labor standards.

Suggested Citation

  • Vivek H. Dehejia & Yiagadeesen Samy, 2008. "Labor Standards and Economic Integration in the European Union: an Empirical Analysis," Journal of Economic Integration, Center for Economic Integration, Sejong University, vol. 23, pages 817-847.
    • Handle: RePEc:ris:integr:0455
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    Cited by:

    1. repec:ilo:ilowps:470016 is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Hecock, R. Douglas & Jepsen, Eric M., 2013. "Should Countries Engage in a Race to the Bottom? The Effect of Social Spending on FDI," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 44(C), pages 156-164.
    3. Haberli, Christian. & Jansen, Marion. & Monteiro, José-Antonio., 2012. "Regional trade agreements and domestic labour market regulation," ILO Working Papers 994700163402676, International Labour Organization.
    4. Heijdra, Ben J. & Ligthart, Jenny E., 2007. "Fiscal policy, monopolistic competition, and finite lives," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 31(1), pages 325-359, January.
    5. Zhenshan Yang & Runde Fu & Jiang Zhu & Dongqi Sun, 2024. "Multidimensional assessment of regional inequality toward sustainable development," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 32(1), pages 392-403, February.
    6. Wang, Qin & Wang, Ying, 2025. "What shapes export competitiveness of home country firms? Host country environmental regulations or labor standards," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 103(C).
    7. Hall Joshua C. & Lawson Robert A. & Wogsland Rachael, 2011. "The European Union and Economic Freedom," Global Economy Journal, De Gruyter, vol. 11(3), pages 1-16, September.

    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • F10 - International Economics - - Trade - - - General
    • F15 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Economic Integration
    • F16 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade and Labor Market Interactions

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