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Wage flexibility and local labour markets: homogeneity of the wage curve in Spain

Author

Listed:
  • Roberto Bande Ramudo
  • Melchor Fernández Fernández

    (GAME-IDEGA, University of Santiago de Compostela)

  • Víctor Montuenga Gómez

    (University of Zaragoza)

Abstract

In this paper we analyze wage flexibility in Spain and its regional differences, departing from the estimation of wage curves. Using data from the Wage Structure Survey, we proceed to estimate regional wage equations, relating the observed wage received by workers to a group of personal and job characteristics, as well as to the unemployment rate. This analysis allows us to test for the existence of regional differences in the degree of wage flexibility, which may have an important influence in the evolution of regional unemployment, given its impact on the ability of the local labour market to absorb negative shocks. Estimated results indicate that regions suffering from higher unemployment rates exhibit lower wage flexibility. Collective bargaining reforms should pursue greater wage flexibility, especially in regions with high rates of joblessness.

Suggested Citation

  • Roberto Bande Ramudo & Melchor Fernández Fernández & Víctor Montuenga Gómez, 2011. "Wage flexibility and local labour markets: homogeneity of the wage curve in Spain," Documentos de trabajo - Analise Economica 0044, IDEGA - Instituto Universitario de Estudios e Desenvolvemento de Galicia.
    • Handle: RePEc:edg:anecon:0044
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Wage flexibility; wage curve; Wage Structure Survey; Spain; regional unemployment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
    • J64 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Unemployment: Models, Duration, Incidence, and Job Search
    • R15 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Econometric and Input-Output Models; Other Methods
    • R23 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population

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