In order to reduce unemployment, it is often recommended that industry-level wage bargaining in Germany should be replaced by a more decentralized system. This paper provides a critical assessment of the current wage bargaining institutions and reexamines the case for a more decentralized...

This paper deals with the German apprenticeship training system. We first set the scene by describing the operation of the system, including the statistical picture in terms of supply and demand and costs; the relationship between the vocational training and the educational systems; the complex...

This paper is devoted t.o an interpretation of both vacancy data and the Beveridgecurve. Officially reported vacancy data are critically reviewed. The theoretical foundation and empirical application of the Beveridge-curve is examined. We find that the Beveridge-curve is everything but a...

This paper constitutes an interim report on the development of a macroeconometric disequilibrium model. Despite several caveats the model as it stands can be used already for two purposes. First, it is possible to investigate the models forecasting abilities. While the estimation period of the...

Institutional Frameworks and Labor Market Performance produces an in-depth analysis of the functioning of various labor market institutions in both the USA and Germany. Particular emphasis is given to the substantial differences between the US and Germany in the ways important areas are...

This paper contains a description and analysis of the labour market in East Germany and an econometric evaluation of some effects of German unification on the West German labour market. At the outset, recent developments of employment and unemployment in East Germany are summarized together with...