In theoretical trade models with variable markups and collective wage bargaining, exportexposure may reduce the exporter wage premium. We test this prediction using linkedGerman employer-employee data from 1996 to 2007. To separate the rent-sharingmechanism from assortative matching, we exploit...

Unions are often stigmatized as being a source of inefficiency due to higher collective bargaining outcomes. This is in stark contrast with the descriptive evidence presented in this paper. Larger firms choose to export and are also more likely to adopt collective bargaining. We rationalize...

Im Durchschnitt lagen die Lohnstückkosten der Konkurrenz im Jahr 2014 um 11 Prozent unter dem Niveau des deutschen Verarbeitenden Gewerbes. Der Euroraum hatte mit 3 Prozent nur einen moderaten Vorteil gegenüber Deutschland. Zwar ist auch die Produktivität in Deutschland überdurchschnittlich...

Das Lohnstückkostenniveau des deutschen Verarbeitenden Gewerbes ist nach wie vor hoch. Im Durchschnitt lagen die Lohnstückkosten in den ausgewählten Vergleichsländern im Jahr 2015 um 11 Prozent unter dem deutschen Niveau. Der Euroraum hatte mit 4 Prozent nur einen moderaten Vorteil...

This paper considers the policy options of the West Bank and Gaza (WBG) with respect to trade and the exports of labor services. It concludes that i) a non-discriminatory trade policy (NDTP) is unambiguously superior to an FTA with Israel; ii) the WBG should pursue a NDTP with all its neighbors,...

This paper provides evidence on the labor market adjustments following a large import shock on both the individual and the firm level. We exploit a quasi-experimental shock in the German clothing industry caused by the phasing out of the Multi-Fibre Arrangement. Using the German shoe industry as...

In oligopolistic industries, increased cost saving opportunities via offshoring have a moderating effect on trade unions. In order to discourage mobile firms from leaving the country, unions accept lower sector wages. In effect, the negotiated wage becomes independent of workers' bargaining...

The phased elimination of the Multi-Fibre Arrangement has been one of the most compelling trade policy reforms of the early twenty-first century, and has brought in significant changes in the industrial structures of the countries of the global south. The textile and clothing industry is the...

In oligopolistic industries that are unionised and may be affected by offshoring, falling offshoring costs have a moderating effect on trade unions. They will accept lower sector wages in order to discourage mobile forms from leaving the country. Since such wages are independent of the workers'...

Employees of globalized firms face a riskier menu of labor market outcomes. They face a more uncertain stream of earnings and riskier employment prospects. However, they may also have stronger incentives to train and upgrade their skills and/or may benefit from more rapid careers. Hence, the...