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Unionized Oligopolies (DFG)

  • Project period: 07/2008 - 08/2009 und 01/2011 - 05/2012
  • Funding: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)

Summary

The impact of globalization and the liberalization of product markets on employment conditions can be observed in almost every industry. Apart from the direct impact on employment and wage levels, increasing competitive pressure in product markets, caused by new competition from foreign countries or entry into formerly state-protected industries, induces institutional changes in labor markets.

This project focuses on the changes in labor market organization due to new competitive conditions arising in product markets. We analyze the impact of globalization on the organization of labor, especially focusing on the effect of firm mobility on the stability of labor market institutions.

The creation of craft unions, especially in transport industries and in the health sector, is a widely discussed example of such a change in labor market organization. As part of the DFG- project, we analyze how imperfect competition between firms affects the incentives for workers to organize along craft lines.

Researchers involved

Examplarily Publication from the Project

Pagel, B. & Wey, C. (2013), "Unionization Structures in International Oligopoly", Review of Labour Economics and Industrial Relations 27, 1-17.

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