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Monopsonistic Competition, Low-Wage Labour Markets, and Minimum Wages: An Empirical Analysis

Author

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  • Bachmann, Ronald

    (RWI)

  • Frings, Hanna

    (Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), Germany)

Abstract

This paper investigates the degree of monopsony power of employers in different industries against the background of a statutory minimum wage introduction in Germany in January 2015. A semi-structural estimation approach is employed based on a dynamic model of monopsonistic competition. The empirical analysis relies on a linked employer-employee data set which allows to control for heterogeneity both on the worker and on the firm side. The results show important differences in monopsonistic competition among low-wage industries: While retailing, the hotel and restaurant industry as well as agriculture can be described as monopsonistic labour markets, this is not true for other services and manufacturing of food products. From a policy point of view, the introduction of a uniform minimum wage may therefore lead to different employment reactions in industries with a similar minimum wage bite.

Suggested Citation

  • Bachmann, Ronald & Frings, Hanna, 2016. "Monopsonistic Competition, Low-Wage Labour Markets, and Minimum Wages: An Empirical Analysis," IZA Discussion Papers 9962, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp9962
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    minimum wage; low-wage industries; labor-supply elasticities; monopsony; Germany;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J42 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Monopsony; Segmented Labor Markets
    • 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

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