INDUSTRY-LEVEL LABOUR DEMAND ELASTICITIES ACROSS THE EUROZONE:WILL THERE BE ANY GAIN AFTER THE PAIN OF INTERNAL DEVALUATION?
Antonis Adam
University of Ioannina
Thomas Moutos
Athens University of Economics and Business & CESifo
Abstract
In this paper we estimate disaggregated labour demand equations using panel data involving observations across time (1970-2007) for twenty-three industries across eleven euro area countries. By using the EU KLEMS database, which provides data across countries, we provide industry-by-industry estimates of the labour demand function. The values of our estimated (own-price) elasticities of labour demand are substantial, and in accordance with the findings of the empirical literature. Independently of whether we use level or time-differenced data, the (absolute value of the) estimated conditional elasticities are bracketed in the interval [0.05, 0.80], with the (un-weighted) mean elasticity across the various methods ranging from 0.26 to 0.43. The values of the estimated unconditional elasticities are similar in size and range, and the same holds true for country-specific wage-elasticities of labour demand. Our results indicate that the wage declines experienced in the periphery countries of the euro area can, when the contractionary credit and budgetary policies come to an end, have a non-negligible, albeit modest, effect on future employment growth.
Keywords: labour demand, wages, international trade, euro area
JEL Classification: F16, J23
Acknowledgments: This study was conducted under the Bank of Greece’s programme of cooperation with Greek universities. We gratefully acknowledge financial support from the Bank of Greece, and helpful comments and suggestions from Heather Gibson, Bob Hart, Dimitris Malliaropoulos, Daphne Nicolitsas, as well as participants at a Bank of Greece workshop presentation. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the Bank of Greece.
Correspondence:
Thomas Moutos
Athens University fo Economics and Business
76, Patission St.
10434, Athens, Greece
Tel.:+30 2108203191
Email: tmoutos@aueb.gr