Small Differences That Matter


Book Description

This volume, the first in a new series by the National Bureau of Economic Research that compares labor markets in different countries, examines social and labor market policies in Canada and the United States during the 1980s. It shows that subtle differences in unemployment compensation, unionization, immigration policies, and income maintenance programs have significantly affected economic outcomes in the two countries. For example: -Canada's social safety net, more generous than the American one, produced markedly lower poverty rates in the 1980s. -Canada saw a smaller increase in earnings inequality than the United States did, in part because of the strength of Canadian unions, which have twice the participation that U.S. unions do. -Canada's unemployment figures were much higher than those in the United States, not because the Canadian economy failed to create jobs but because a higher percentage of nonworking time was reported as unemployment. These disparities have become noteworthy as policy makers cite the experiences of the other country to support or oppose particular initiatives.







Women in Labour Markets


Book Description

Offers an analysis of 12 indicators from the ILO Key Indicators of the Labour Market database. The aim is to look for progress or lack of progress towards the goal of gender equality in the world of work and identify where and why blockages to labour market equity continue to exist. Focuses on the relationship of women to labour markets and compares employment outcomes for men and women to the best degree possible given the available labour market indicators.




Labour Relations Laws in Canada and the United States


Book Description

This study evaluates private-sector labour relations laws by examining provincial laws (which cover the overwhelming majority of Canadian workers) and federal laws in Canada, and federal and state laws in the United States in 2008.4 The study evaluates the extent to which labour relations laws achieve balance and flexibility in the labour market. [...] Jurisdictional differences Prior to the examination of labour relations laws in Canada and the United States, it is important to recognize that there is a marked difference between the two countries in terms of the level of government responsible for the regulation of labour relations. [...] The National Labor Relations Board decides whether the purchaser is a successor employer by taking into account a number of factors including the number of employ- ees taken over by the purchasing employer, the similarity in operations and product of the two employers, the manner in which the purchaser integrates the purchased operations into its other operations, and the character of the bargaini [...] Whether the purchaser is a successor employer is dependent on several factors, including the number of employees taken over by the purchasing employer, the similarity in operations and product of the two employers, the manner in which the purchaser integrates the pur- chased operations into its other operations, and the character of the bargaining relationship and agreement between the union and t [...] The ability to disrupt the operations of third parties means that the union and workers have the ability to affect not only the employer covered by the collective agreement but also any other company doing business with the primary firm and pressure from these third parties may force the employer to settle a strike instead of addressing the reasons for the strike.




Matching Economic Migration with Labour Market Needs


Book Description

This publication gathers the papers presented at the “OECD-EU dialogue on mobility and international migration: matching economic migration with labour market needs” (Brussels, 24-25 February 2014), a conference jointly organised by the European Commission and the OECD.







Precarious Employment


Book Description

'Precarious Employment' explores the nature and dynamics of precarious employment in contemporary Canada.




Une économie plus dynamique dans un Canada fort et prospère


Book Description

Des dépenses publiques et une imposition excessives restreignent la liberté économique des individus et des entreprises en réduisant leur revenu et en transférant le pouvoir de prise de décisions économiques dans les mains de politiciens et de fonctionnaires.




Moving for Prosperity


Book Description

Migration presents a stark policy dilemma. Research repeatedly confirms that migrants, their families back home, and the countries that welcome them experience large economic and social gains. Easing immigration restrictions is one of the most effective tools for ending poverty and sharing prosperity across the globe. Yet, we see widespread opposition in destination countries, where migrants are depicted as the primary cause of many of their economic problems, from high unemployment to declining social services. Moving for Prosperity: Global Migration and Labor Markets addresses this dilemma. In addition to providing comprehensive data and empirical analysis of migration patterns and their impact, the report argues for a series of policies that work with, rather than against, labor market forces. Policy makers should aim to ease short-run dislocations and adjustment costs so that the substantial long-term benefits are shared more evenly. Only then can we avoid draconian migration restrictions that will hurt everybody. Moving for Prosperity aims to inform and stimulate policy debate, facilitate further research, and identify prominent knowledge gaps. It demonstrates why existing income gaps, demographic differences, and rapidly declining transportation costs mean that global mobility will continue to be a key feature of our lives for generations to come. Its audience includes anyone interested in one of the most controversial policy debates of our time.