Real and Nominal Wage Adjustment in Open Economies

A wage equation for a small open economy is derived and estimated on aggregate data for the Nordic countries. The equation is derived from a model of wage bargaining over nominal wages; hence both long run coefficients and adjustment parameters have clear economic interpretations. Wages depend on the scope (main course) for wage increases; based on our theoretical model we interpret this as evidence of union bargaining power. Unemployment benefits have substantial effects on wages in all four countries. There is substantial nominal wage rigidity; hence changes in exchange rates have large and persistent effects on competitiveness.