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The changing employment situation in some cities with living wage ordinances

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  • James Buss
  • Arthur Romeo

Abstract

More than 120 municipalities (cities, towns, and counties) have introduced living wage ordinances. These laws mandate that certain employers in their jurisdiction pay their workers wages that are above federal and state minimum levels. The opponents of these laws argue that these ordinances have adverse impacts on local labor markets. This study considers rates of growth of employment and unemployment trends in a sample of these cities before and after they introduced their living wage ordinances. It finds that while a few cities have had negative labor market experiences after introducing their living wage law these cities represent the exception rather than the rule.

Suggested Citation

  • James Buss & Arthur Romeo, 2006. "The changing employment situation in some cities with living wage ordinances," Review of Social Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 64(3), pages 349-367.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:rsocec:v:64:y:2006:i:3:p:349-367
    DOI: 10.1080/00346760600892766
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Scott Adams & David Neumark, 2005. "Living Wage Effects: New and Improved Evidence," Economic Development Quarterly, , vol. 19(1), pages 80-102, February.
    2. Mark D. Brenner, 2004. "The Economic Impact of Living Wage Ordinances," Working Papers wp80, Political Economy Research Institute, University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
    3. Scott Adams & David Neumark, 2004. "The Economic Effects of Living Wage Laws: A Provisional Review," PPIC Working Papers 2004.10, Public Policy Institute of California.
    4. Timothy J. Bartik, "undated". "Thinking about Living Wage Requirements," Upjohn Working Papers tjb2004, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research.
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    Cited by:

    1. Andrea Werner & Ming Lim, 2016. "The Ethics of the Living Wage: A Review and Research Agenda," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 137(3), pages 433-447, September.
    2. Janmaat, Johannus & Harris, Lindsay & Carlaw, Kenneth & Evans, Mike, 2019. "Action economics? working with citizen groups in Revelstoke, BC to evaluate the impact of a living wage," MPRA Paper 96740, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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