Orientador: Anselmo Luís dos Santos / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Economia / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-22T15:59:41Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Souen_JacquelineAslan_M.pdf: 2801808 bytes, checksum: b9606b4cd4ea03f94e37f3e24376768b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013 / Resumo: A partir de uma retrospectiva histórica da trajetória do salário mínimo no Brasil, observamos que, com exceção do período compreendido entre 1951 e início da década de 1960 - pré-golpe de 64 -, ocorreram recorrentes perdas do seu poder aquisitivo. Na fase recente, ainda que o movimento favorável do piso mínimo tenha dado o primeiro sinal já em 1993 e efetivamente iniciado em 1995, com a consolidação do Plano Real e a estabilização da moeda, foi no pós 2003 que se inaugurou uma fase particularmente distinta. A subida ao poder de um governo com estreita ligação junto ao movimento sindical e mais aberto ao diálogo e às reivindicações das centrais sindicais, a inflação relativamente controlada e a reativação da economia, em 2004, foram condições essenciais para a mudança na forma de conduzir a questão. No início do novo governo ainda era forte o discurso contrário aos mecanismos de regulação e proteção do trabalho, em especial do salário mínimo. Apontavam-se os impactos indesejados sobre as contas públicas, além de possíveis efeitos inflacionários, e crescimento do desemprego e informalidade. Contudo, havia um crescente debate de oposição a esse discurso, o qual indicava o fraco desempenho econômico como um dos principais obstáculos a uma efetiva política de recuperação do poder de compra do mínimo. Argumentava-se a necessidade de criar condições para a retomada do crescimento da economia, emprego e renda, modificando a estratégia de condução da política macroeconômica, abrindo caminho para uma maior formalização do mercado de trabalho, aumento da massa salarial, e elevação da arrecadação previdenciária e das contribuições sociais, reduzindo, assim, os possíveis constrangimentos de uma política consistente de recuperação do salário mínimo. Tal interpretação foi reforçada pelas principais Centrais Sindicais, as quais se organizaram num movimento unitário em 2004, reivindicando a urgência de um critério permanente de valorização do piso nacional. O objetivo do presente trabalho é fazer uma análise da evolução da política de valorização do salário mínimo neste contexto da retomada da atividade econômica, no governo Lula, bem como avaliar seus impactos para uma grande maioria de trabalhadores, sobretudo aqueles da base da pirâmide social, com rendimentos muito próximos do piso mínimo / Abstract: From a historical trajectory of the minimum wage in Brazil, it is observed that, except for the period between 1951 and the early 1960s - before the 64 coup d'état - recurring losses of the purchasing power occurred. Recently, although the movement in favor of the minimum wage gave its first sign back in 1993 - and actually started in 1995, with the consolidation of the Real Plan and the stabilization of the currency - it was after 2003 that a particularly distinct period was inaugurated. The rise to power of a government closely linked to the union movement, and more open to dialogue and the demands of the unions, the relatively controlled inflation and the reactivation of the economy, in 2004, were essential conditions for the change on the way of leading the issue. At the beginning of the new government the speech contrary to the mechanisms of regulation and protection of labor was still strong, particularly concerning the minimum wage. The undesired impacts on public accounts were pointed out, as well as possible inflationary effects and increasing unemployment and informality. However, there was a growing debate in opposition to this discourse, which indicated the poor economic performance as one of the main obstacles to an effective recovery policy of the minimum wage purchasing power. They argued the need of creating conditions for the resumption of economic, employment and income growth, by changing the strategy of macroeconomic policy, clearing the way for a greater formalization of the labor market, increased wages, and raising funds for the pension system and social contributions, thus reducing the possible constraints of a consistent minimum wage recovery policy. Such interpretation was reinforced by the major Central Trade Unions, which organized a unitary movement in 2004, claiming the urgency of a permanent recovery criterion of the national wage floor. The aim of this study is to analyze the evolution of the policy of valuing the minimum wage in this context of renewed economic activity, under Lula government, and assess its impacts on a large majority of workers, especially those from the base of the social pyramid, with incomes very close to the minimum wage / Mestrado / Economia Social e do Trabalho / Mestre em Desenvolvimento Econômico

The main focus of this diploma thesis is motivation program of selected company. The theoretical part covers basic concepts related to the theory of motivation, wage policy and remuneration. The practical part analyzes the current situation in the company completed by the questionnaire survey. The last part is focused on proposals and recommendations leading to more effective motivation program and employee motivation.

Executives' compensation has been on the forefront of the public and political debate since the recent financial crisis. One of the measures publicly discussed is a general upper boundary to top management compensation packages ("salary cap", "maximum wage"). While such measures are novelties to the corporate world, the North American major sports leagues have been using maximum compensation regulations for decades. This paper exploits the 23-year experience with salary cap regulations from the National Football League (NFL). The results show a significant negative relation between the success of NFL teams and the amount of the net (after-tax) salary cap represented by the personal income tax rate of the teams' home states. A team from California (highest average tax rate) wins 2.256 games less per year and has an 11% reduced probability of making the playoffs than a team located in a no-tax state such as Florida or Texas. The paper contributes to and informs the ongoing public and political debate regarding the regulation of executive compensation, and its effects on the performance of the regulated entities. / Series: WU International Taxation Research Paper Series

Abstract This research examines the relationship between the product and labor market in a situation when there is imperfect competition in the product market. The subjects studied are the existence of the mark-up factors implied by imperfect competition and their impacts on labor demand. The dependency of labor demand on the product demand is also examined. In the research the existence of the mark-up factors in Finnish companies can be verified. In addition, according to results, the mark-up factors have negative impact on labor demand. Product demand has a significant positive effect on labor demand. However, the transmission mechanism from the product demand changes to labor demand remains to some extent unsolved.

Master of Arts / Department of Economics / James F. Ragan Jr / This paper examines some common explanations for the earnings gap between males and females. Over recent decades, the average pay of women has increased faster than the average pay of men; however, a substantial earnings gap remains. As of 2006, the U.S. Census estimated that for year-round full-time workers the earnings ratio of women to men was 77%; in other words, for every one dollar a man earns, a woman earns $0.77. The wage gap likely consists of both non-discriminatory and discriminatory aspects, and concern remains over how much of the gender wage gap is caused by discrimination against women. However, the part of the wage gap due to discrimination cannot be measured directly, so it is typically interpreted as the portion of the gap that is "unexplained" by other factors. Numerous economists and sociologists have studied this issue, but their conclusions differ vastly. This paper discusses various economic explanations for the gender pay gap, both discriminatory and non-discriminatory. It also briefly summarizes some sociological responses to economic arguments, as well as some policy recommendations and their possible implications.

M.Com. (Business Management) / The overall aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the wage-setting institutions, including bargaining councils and minimum wages, on the creation and long-term survival of small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa. The objectives of the study focused on (i) gaining an understanding of how the legislative requirements impact on SMMEs; (ii) investigating what needs to be done to assist small companies in order to cope with the burden of compliance with "the prescriptions and provisions of the law; (iii) demonstrating how the current wage setting mechan-isms are partly responsible for the promotion of capital intensive firms at the expense of small- and medium sized entities; (iv) investigating how other countries approach the issue of exemption of small businesses from the stringent requirements of labour legislation; and (v) exploring the possibility for the establishment of a separate dispensation that may be utilised to govern the wage-setting environment for the SMME sector. The study commenced with the review of different literature sources. First, the importance of the SMME sector in wealth creation and the role of the government in developing SMMEs were dealt with. Existing constraints and problems, other than labour-related factors, facing the SMMEs were identified with the sole purpose of highlighting the general conditions under which they operate. The support offered by government and other stakeholders in developing SMMEs in South Africa were also discussed. Second, an overview of wage-setting institutions that shape the South African labour market, i.e. the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC), bargaining councils and the Employment Conditions Commission (ECC) was provided. For the purposes of this study, two case studies (i.e. Sweden and Egypt) were chosen and a comparative analysis of these case studies focusing on the wage setting environment was performed, with the hope of drawing important lessons for South Africa. The cross-case analysis revealed that there are differences and similarities in the nature of wage-setting institutions that are found in Sweden, Egypt and South Africa. The lessons for South Africa are that there is a need (i) of strengthening of the role of NEDLAC (tripartism); (ii) of recognising the fact that globalisation is not a myth but a reality, even for SMMEs; (iii) of creating an institutionalised dialogue for the SMME sector, i.e. SMME representative body; and (iv) of expanding the role of workplace forums in the South African environment to facilitate meaningful collective bargaining at local level. Following the cross-case analysis, the research findings on the effects of wage-setting institutions on SMMEs were presented. This was achieved by examining empirical evidence. First, an analysis of collective bargaining and minimum wages was conducted by focusing on the different aspects of the wage-setting institutions that may be considered to have an impact on the creation and long-term survival of small and medium enterprises. This was followed by an exploration of empirical evidence if there is a need for creating a separate dispensation, i.e. two-tier labour market, for the SMME sector in South Africa. Despite an intense scrutiny of the relationship between wage-setting institutions and their effects on SMMEs, the study found that there are no discernible impacts on small and medium businesses. As a result, this study proposes that the policy framework for developing a suitable environment for small and medium businesses in South Africa should be based on targeted strategic policy interventions rather than general measures such as tax reduction or labour market deregulation. These strategic policy interventions are given as recommendations of this study. In concluding the study, the following recommendations are made: • Strengthening of the social dialogue and collective bargaining in South Africa through the expansion of the role of workplace forums; • The establishment of a separate dispensation for SMMEs in South Africa, e.g. two-tier wage system, is not necessary; • A case is made for the establishment of a SMME representative body or bodies, independent of large companies, to collectively represent the interests of smaller businesses in general or in a particular sector of the economy or a geographical area in South Africa; • A need for a shift in small and medium-sized enterprise policy in the South Africa away from "one size fits all" approach to clustering SMMEs in economic sectors that have growth potential; and • SMME policies need to be re-focused to address the economic challenges the country faces due to external competition and globalisation, and this will ensure a more co-ordinated approach to the development of SMME policy in South Africa.

To many economists the public's support for the minimum wage (MW) institution is puzzling, since the MW is considered a "blunt instrument'' for redistribution. To delve deeper in this issue we build models in which workers are heterogeneous in ability. In the first model, the government does not engage in any type of redistributive policies - except for the payment of unemployment benefits; we find that the MW is preferred by the majority of workers (even when the unemployed receive very generous unemployment benefits). In the second model, the government engages in redistribution through the public provision of private goods. We show that (i) the introduction of a MW can be preferred by a majority of workers only if the unemployed receive benefits which are substantially below the after-tax earnings they would have had in the perfectly competitive case, (ii) for a given generosity of the unemployment benefit scheme, the maximum, politically viable, MW is lower than in the absence of in-kind redistribution, and (iii) the MW institution is politically viable only when there is a limited degree of in-kind redistribution. These findings can possibly explain why a well-developed social safety net in Scandinavia tends to co-exist with the absence of a national MW, whereas in Southern Europe the MW institution "complements'' the absence of a well-developed social safety net.

This thesis consists of three essays on the economics of sleep time and work stress. The first essay, “the impact of economic factors on sleep: the role of insomnia”, discusses the role played by insomnia on the link between economic variables and sleep time. Insomnia is a common phenomenon experienced by many Canadians. This paper uses the Canadian General Social Survey (GSS) 2005 to investigate the effect of economic factors on the sleep time of the labour force. It replicates previous work by Biddle and Hamermesh (1990) and then extends this work to look at the role played by insomnia on the link between economic variables and sleep time. The paper concludes that the presence of sleep problems can significantly change the impact of economic determinants such as wage and education on sleep time. This paper finds that a 10 percent increase in the wage rate decreases sleep time by almost 20 minutes per week for non-insomniacs while an increase in the wage rate does not have any impact on sleep time for insomniacs. In fact, the link between wage and sleep time appears to be broken for insomniacs as they do not want to, or cannot, sacrifice their sleep time in order to have more money in their pockets. The second essay, “sleep time and wages: the role of chronic diseases and work environment”, examines the role played by chronic diseases and work environment on the link between economic variables and sleep time. This paper, which expands on the work of the first essay, uses the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) 2001 to investigate the roles of insomnia, chronic diseases and stressful work environments on the link between the wage rate and sleep time. Whereas Biddle and Hamermesh (1990) report that individuals sleep 14 minutes less per week as a result of a 10% increase in the wage rate, I find that this number increases to 30 minutes for individuals without sleep problems while it is zero for insomniacs. Moreover, the impact of wages on sleep time is even more pronounced – more than 60 minutes per week - once account is taken of health conditions and of the work environment. Interestingly, these health and environmental effects are in addition to their impact on insomnia: in other words, individuals with chronic health problems who are not insomniacs do not respond to an increase in the wage rate by reducing their sleep time. This means that the actual impact of wages on sleep time for those who do not suffer from these conditions is much more important than originally reported by Biddle and Hamermesh (1990). The third essay, “are Québecers more stressed out at work than others? An investigation into the differences between Québec and the Rest of Canada in the level of work stress” discusses the level of stress experienced by workers in Canada. Work stress has a large socio-economic impact: it affects worker absenteeism, productivity, and family life. Psychological health problems including stress at workplace are an important issue in Canada. Using nine cycles spanning twelve years of the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), I find that the level of work stress in Québec is much higher than in any other province. In Québec, 40% of the population report having quite a bit or extremely stressful jobs. In the other provinces, this number is much smaller, in the order of 30% in Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba and British Columbia, and even lower in the Atlantic Provinces. I find that Québec still has a higher level of reported work stress even after controlling for the main determinants of work stress: income, education, health, age, gender, marital status, children and work environment. Unionization rate and unemployment rate in the province do not seem to matter. However, I find that immigrants in Québec have less work stress than native-born Francophones. Also, Francophones in Québec and elsewhere have higher levels of work stress than Anglophones and Allophones. A body of literature has examined the subject of work stress, and while it has been noted by a few authors (Bordeleau and Traoré, 2007 and Lesage et al., 2010) that Québec is different; a thorough analysis of the causes of this phenomenon needs to be done. This paper estimates regression models that include a large number of factors such as age, gender, marital status, census metropolitan area (CMA), urban, immigrants, having young children, household type, living arrangement, mother tongue, language of conversation, race, education, income, working hours, part time job, health, physical activity, type of smoker, type of drinker, sense of belonging to community, provincial unionization rate and provincial unemployment rate to examine why there may be a consistent and persistent different between those who reside in Québec relative to the rest of Canada. I find that, even after controlling for those factors, work stress is still higher in Québec. This study suggests that differences in the legal systems and in cultures may be some of the reasons of the differences between Québec and the rest of Canada.

This thesis analyzes minimum wage, its development, determination and influence on increasing or decreasing of employment in the Czech rebublic and in the other countries of European union. It starts with determination of theoretical background of minimum wage, economical models that deals with the impact of minimum wage on employment and czech and foreign papers concerning relevant topic. In the analytical part, the thesis concerns characteristics of the system of minimum wages in particular countries of European union and their comparison. In the last part of the thesis, econometrical model was done. The aim was to find out if any of determined variables have impact on total unemployment rate in the Czech republic. Model was performed with statistical data from 2000 to 2015. The impact of some variables was proved, for example number of university graduates that have negative influence on total employment in the Czech republic.

This thesis analyzes the impacts of raising the minimum wage to transfer payments for social insurance in the period 2004 - 2014. It compares development and changes in the rate of minimum wage in selected EU countries and examines the context of the events that preceded these changes. The conclusions of many theses show that minimum wage increases the employer's costs for employees, who subsequently seek different ways how to avoid these additional costs. This thesis did not confirm the hypothesis that an increase in the minimum wage significantly affects the rate of income from social insurance.