Labour Market Reform and Monetary Policy in EMU: Do Asymmetries Matter?

Andrew Hughes Hallett and Nicola Viegi

No 2979, CEPR Discussion Papers from C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers

Abstract: This Paper analyses the interaction between a common monetary policy and differentiated labour market institutions. We develop a model of a two country monetary union. In each country, labour market institutions are distinguished by the degree of centralization in wage bargaining. In each country the government can also use an instrument (general taxation or payroll taxes) to influence their overall labour costs. Finally a common monetary policy is followed in a ?conservative? manner, as defined by Rogoff (1985). The results show that structural and preference asymmetries matter, both in the determination of economic policy and in performance. In particular centralized labour market institutions confer a certain comparative advantage in policy making which provides a natural incentive for the less flexible (or less reformed) to want to join a currency union; and for the more flexible to stay outside. This lowers the incentives for reform inside the union, as Calmfors and others have conjectured.

Keywords: Monetary union; Labour market institutions; Asymmetries (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: E58 E61 F33 J51 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2001-09
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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