This paper investigates in what way employment for low-skilled workers is connected to the wage dispersion in a country by comparing Sweden to six European countries. Previous research on this topic used cross-section analysis, but this essay takes another approach by comparing the changes in the wage dispersion and employment and by breaking down the change in the wage dispersion into parts and studying the change in the wage for different percentiles. The paper finds that wages in Sweden have not converged, which likely contributed to the increase in the employment gap between people with high and low skills. Two countries with different development were Germany and Norway. In line with recent research, in Germany, wage inequality increased and the employment gap between people with high and low skills decreased. In comparison, the case of Norway has not received much attention among researchers. Wages converged more in Norway than in Germany, yet employment increased more in Germany. The paper suggests a potential explanation: wages for the bottom percentiles of the earnings distribution fell in Germany, which it did not in Norway.

The thesis focuses on minimum wage. The aim of the work is to evaluate the impact of the growth of the minimum wage on disposable incomes of natural persons from employment and self-employed activity from 2011 to 2019. Subsequently, there are suggested measures to help reduce the levies on the income of individuals, thus maintaining the highest disposable income.

Research Report submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of Witwatersrand in partial fulfilment for a Masters in Management in the field of Public and Development Management. February 2017 / Minimum wage laws in South Africa have been enacted and implemented for some time with a broader intention that purports to protect and regulate what are categorized at least from state’s definition as the vulnerable sectors, which includes the taxi industry. The minibus taxi industry in South Africa is characterized and plagued by inherent exploitative labour relations between taxi drivers and operators. There are often contrasting views and disagreement on the minimum wage which is supposed to be implemented by the Department of Labour as the custodian of all the labour laws in the country through inspections and enforcement by labour inspectors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions held by the various stakeholders in the taxi industry with respect to the implementation of the Sectoral Wage Determination 11 as provided for by the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, of1997. Interviews were held with ten taxi drivers, ten taxi operators based in Johannesburg and from the Department of Labour, and three team leaders in the Inspection and Enforcement Services, all based and servicing Johannesburg. The study established that there is enough knowledge and appreciation of the minimum wage; however, there is to a large extent transgressions and noncompliance from employers in the industry. Monitoring and enforcement remain a challenge fuelled by peculiarities and the dynamism that is not in tandem with industry realities and legislative prescripts. / MT2017

The aim of this thesis is to examine how wealth inequality alters when macroeconomic factors such as housing price index, inflation rate, and minimum wage change. In the theoretical part, the potential connection between some macroeconomic factors and wealth inequality is described through the link of the Lorenz Curve and Pareto distribution. In the empirical part, we analyze the development of wealth inequality in 21 countries from the European Union from 2004 to 2015. The study presents significant evidence that the housing price index is negatively correlated with wealth inequality while similar conclusions cannot be made regarding inflation rate and minimum wage. In this paper, the Gini index is used as a proxy for wealth inequality.

O mercado de trabalho brasileiro tem apresentado nos últimos anos tendências que chamam a atenção e que suscitam questões diversas do ponto de vista da literatura econômica. A partir de 2004, aliada à redução da taxa de desemprego (que cai à metade em menos de uma década), o salário mínimo apresenta crescimento real de quase dois terços do seu valor, a desigualdade salarial é sensivelmente reduzida, ao mesmo tempo em que a taxa de formalidade alcança níveis muito elevados. A partir desse pano de fundo, o presente trabalho pretende examinar duas questões centrais. A primeira delas seria sobre os efeitos do aumento do salário mínimo sobre a desigualdade salarial. Utilizamos uma metodologia de densidades contrafactuais com dados da Pesquisa Mensal de Emprego (PME) de 2004 e 2011 para avaliar os efeitos da variação do salário mínimo, do aumento da formalização, das características pessoais e das condições de oferta e demanda do mercado de trabalho sobre as mudanças das densidades salariais. Como resultados anteriores da literatura, as estimativas indicam que o primeiro fator exerce efeitos expressivos no sentido de reduzir a dispersão salarial da densidade como um todo e em especial na calda inferior. Eles são robustos à inversão da ordem de decomposição e se mantêm relevantes entre as mulheres. Os efeitos da formalização se mantêm com a inversão da ordem somente entre os homens e são maiores, nesse caso, do que aqueles do salário mínimo. A segunda questão seria sobre a origem dos fluxos que alimentaram o crescente setor formal do mercado de trabalho. Utilizamos um modelo de escolha discreta para examinar os fatores determinantes das transições para postos de trabalho formais, novamente com dados da PME, entre 2002 e 2010. A probabilidade de transição à formalidade aumentou a partir das cinco posições iniciais consideradas, especialmente a partir da desocupação, enquanto que os fluxos de saída da formalidade em direção à desocupação e à informalidade se reduziram. As estimativas indicam que homens, com maior escolaridade, mais jovens e com menor tempo na situação apresentaram maiores chances de formalização. Estatísticas adicionais mostram que os serviços foram o setor que mais contratou os que entraram nos novos empregos formais, e que a maior parcela desses era de trabalhadores anteriormente formais. Além disso, entre os novos empregados formais, os que eram anteriormente inativos ou desocupados apresentaram os menores salários, o que provavelmente se relaciona com fatores não observáveis. / The Brazilian labour market has shown in recent years trends that draw attention and raise different issues from the point of view of the economic literature. From 2004, along with the reduction in the unemployment rate (which fell by half in less than a decade), the minimum wage shows real growth for nearly two-thirds of its value, wage inequality is significantly reduced, while the rate of formality reaches very high levels. Based on this background, this paper seeks to examine two issues central The first one is on the effects of raising the minimum wage on wage inequality. We use a methodology of counterfactual densities with data from the Monthly Employment Survey (PME), between 2004 and 2011, to assess the effects of changes in the minimum wage, increasing formalization and other two factors on the changes of wage densities. As a result of the previous literature, our estimates indicate that the first factor has significant effects on reducing wage dispersion, while the second factor effects are comparatively small. The second issue would be about the origin of the streams that fed the growing formal sector of the labour market. We use a discrete choice model to examine the determinants of transitions to formal work, again with the PME data, between 2002 and 2010. The probability of transition to formality increased from the five initial positions considered, especially from unemployment, while the outflows from formality towards informality and unemployment fell. Estimates indicate that men with higher levels of education, younger and with less time in the situation were more likely to formalization. Additional statistics show that the services sector was the one which most hired individuals entering new formal jobs, and that the largest portion of these workers was previously formal. Moreover, among the new formal employees, those who were previously unemployed or inactive had lower wages, which probably relates to unobservable factors.

O mercado de trabalho brasileiro tem apresentado nos últimos anos tendências que chamam a atenção e que suscitam questões diversas do ponto de vista da literatura econômica. A partir de 2004, aliada à redução da taxa de desemprego (que cai à metade em menos de uma década), o salário mínimo apresenta crescimento real de quase dois terços do seu valor, a desigualdade salarial é sensivelmente reduzida, ao mesmo tempo em que a taxa de formalidade alcança níveis muito elevados. A partir desse pano de fundo, o presente trabalho pretende examinar duas questões centrais. A primeira delas seria sobre os efeitos do aumento do salário mínimo sobre a desigualdade salarial. Utilizamos uma metodologia de densidades contrafactuais com dados da Pesquisa Mensal de Emprego (PME) de 2004 e 2011 para avaliar os efeitos da variação do salário mínimo, do aumento da formalização, das características pessoais e das condições de oferta e demanda do mercado de trabalho sobre as mudanças das densidades salariais. Como resultados anteriores da literatura, as estimativas indicam que o primeiro fator exerce efeitos expressivos no sentido de reduzir a dispersão salarial da densidade como um todo e em especial na calda inferior. Eles são robustos à inversão da ordem de decomposição e se mantêm relevantes entre as mulheres. Os efeitos da formalização se mantêm com a inversão da ordem somente entre os homens e são maiores, nesse caso, do que aqueles do salário mínimo. A segunda questão seria sobre a origem dos fluxos que alimentaram o crescente setor formal do mercado de trabalho. Utilizamos um modelo de escolha discreta para examinar os fatores determinantes das transições para postos de trabalho formais, novamente com dados da PME, entre 2002 e 2010. A probabilidade de transição à formalidade aumentou a partir das cinco posições iniciais consideradas, especialmente a partir da desocupação, enquanto que os fluxos de saída da formalidade em direção à desocupação e à informalidade se reduziram. As estimativas indicam que homens, com maior escolaridade, mais jovens e com menor tempo na situação apresentaram maiores chances de formalização. Estatísticas adicionais mostram que os serviços foram o setor que mais contratou os que entraram nos novos empregos formais, e que a maior parcela desses era de trabalhadores anteriormente formais. Além disso, entre os novos empregados formais, os que eram anteriormente inativos ou desocupados apresentaram os menores salários, o que provavelmente se relaciona com fatores não observáveis. / The Brazilian labour market has shown in recent years trends that draw attention and raise different issues from the point of view of the economic literature. From 2004, along with the reduction in the unemployment rate (which fell by half in less than a decade), the minimum wage shows real growth for nearly two-thirds of its value, wage inequality is significantly reduced, while the rate of formality reaches very high levels. Based on this background, this paper seeks to examine two issues central The first one is on the effects of raising the minimum wage on wage inequality. We use a methodology of counterfactual densities with data from the Monthly Employment Survey (PME), between 2004 and 2011, to assess the effects of changes in the minimum wage, increasing formalization and other two factors on the changes of wage densities. As a result of the previous literature, our estimates indicate that the first factor has significant effects on reducing wage dispersion, while the second factor effects are comparatively small. The second issue would be about the origin of the streams that fed the growing formal sector of the labour market. We use a discrete choice model to examine the determinants of transitions to formal work, again with the PME data, between 2002 and 2010. The probability of transition to formality increased from the five initial positions considered, especially from unemployment, while the outflows from formality towards informality and unemployment fell. Estimates indicate that men with higher levels of education, younger and with less time in the situation were more likely to formalization. Additional statistics show that the services sector was the one which most hired individuals entering new formal jobs, and that the largest portion of these workers was previously formal. Moreover, among the new formal employees, those who were previously unemployed or inactive had lower wages, which probably relates to unobservable factors.

Statutory Minimum Wages was effective in Hong Kong on 1 May 2011. It is not a newly invented concept and actually many European and Asian countries have adopted the minimum wages policy for long. Since the implementation of the minimum wages, it has been a controversial topic in our Hong Kong society. Being the one works in the property management field, this dissertation aims to examine the implementation of the Statutory Minimum Wages among the property management companies in Hong Kong and to critically review and evaluate the costs and benefits of this policy on the property management companies. Many scholars and economists have taken efforts to study the impacts of implementing the Statutory Minimum Wages. By reviewing those studies it helps to understand the possible costs and benefits that the minimum wages policy could bring. However, most of the studies are focused on the impacts of the minimum wages policy to the personal or society, very rare that they would have studied on the impacts of the minimum wages on a specific industry. There are also no scholars and economists did a research on the impacts of the Statutory Minimum Wages on the property management industry. To understand the impacts of the Statutory Minimum Wages on property management companies in Hong Kong, both primary and secondary data research has been conducted in order to find out the answer. For the secondary data research, data are collected via various channels including government’s report, Census and Statistics Department, journals, books and newspapers etc. For the primary data research, both qualitative and quantitative method has been used. The quantitative questionnaire interview aims to interview the people working in the property management companies and see how the implementation of the minimum wages could have impact on them. There is also a qualitative face to face interview to the property managers so as to understand the impacts of the minimum wages policy to the property management companies. By gathering the information and analysis the data, this paper suggests that at the current stage the implementation of the Statutory Minimum Wages could bring more benefits than costs to the property management companies in Hong Kong. The overall living standard and living quality of the people working in the property management companies has been improved. Although the minimum wages would increase the company operation cost, it is suggested that the benefits generated could cover the cost increment in long run and it is worthy to continue the enactment of the minimum wages policy. Nevertheless, there is the recommendation that the future review of the minimum wages level should not be too aggressive. Prior any adjustment taken there should have a detail study on the market situation and the company affordability. Great changes at a time would be out of the affordability of the property management companies, which in turn would lead to the negative effect of close down of companies and trigger the layoff of employees. The policy should be review and adjust bit by bit so as to favor for the long term development of the property management companies in Hong Kong. / published_or_final_version / Housing Management / Master / Master of Housing Management

In Hong Kong, statutory minimum wage has been implemented for three years. Under the implementation of statutory minimum wage, the property management companies have to pay at least $30 to their staff per hour, it increases the staff cost of property management companies and reduces the profit of the companies. On theother hand, the property owners have to pay higher management fee due to the increase of staff cost, they expected that they should receive better quality of services. If the service standard of the property management companies could not match with owners' expectation, it would affect the customer satisfaction towards the service of the property management companies. As a result, it would increase the conflicts between the property owners and the property management companies and it might affect the relationship between each other. Indeed, the property management companies are facing high pressure on it now. Therefore, it is meaningful to study the impacts of minimum wage on the service quality of property management companies in Hong Kong. In this study, we try to investigate whether the implementation of minimum wage can improve the service quality of the properties management companies in Hong Kong and increase the satisfaction level of the employees and the customers. The scope of study will be focused on two different types of property management companies. One is a large-sized property management company (Company A) which is the subsidiary of large developer in Hong Kong. The other is a small to medium sized property management company (Company B) which is a non-subsidiary company. By doing this research, it could compare the service quality of different types of property management companies after the implementation of minimum wage. Two sets of questionnaires were sent out in order to collect the viewpoints from the staff of the property management companies and the owners/residents' of middle class residential properties. There were altogether 250 questionnaires were done, the results showed that both Company A and Company B were in the same direction. The results expressed that either internal customer (staff of the property management companies) or the external customer (owners/residents) of both companies did not think that the service quality of management office have significant improvement after the minimum wage. Based on the results of the research, we suggest some ways to improve the service quality of the service team and also give some recommendation to government in implementing the minimum wage policy so that it could benefit for people working in the property management field in Hong Kong. / published_or_final_version / Housing Management / Master / Master of Housing Management

In May 2011, it is a milestone for implementation of Statutory Minimum Ordinance in Hong Kong. In this dissertation, it can see that the changes in the field of property management after implementation of Statutory Minimum Wage Ordinance. The aim of implementation of Statutory Minimum Wage Ordinance to safeguard the interests of the vulnerable and grassroots workers. However, it found that it is very difficult to recruit frontline security staff than before. Hence, questionnaire and interview were conducted for analysis the existing working and living condition of frontline security staff and managerial grade staff. It can get more details what are the problems after implementation of Statutory Minimum Wage Ordinance. Moreover, some recommendations and suggestions are given for review of Statutory Minimum Wage Ordinance. In this project, it was found that frontline security staff get their job easier than before and the majority of their hourly wage rate at between $30.1 and $33. The frontline security staff also consider to get their job not only hourly wage but also the other fringe benefits what the property management company can provide. On the other hand, the managerial grade staff felt that their workload were increased and they also disagree the benefits could outweigh disadvantages after implementation of Statutory Minimum Wage Ordinance. Furthermore, management fee were increased inevitably which affected by the implementation of Statutory Minimum Wage Ordinance. It was known that the Statutory Minimum Wage rate was applied to all industries which set up in one rate. It is time for review the policy that set up a different minimum wage rate for different kind of industries. Recently, a referendum was conducted in Switzerland by resolution of implementing the Statutory Minimum Wage Ordinance on 18 May 2014, and it was rejected by majority. They concern that implementing the Statutory Minimum Wage Ordinance not only to weaken the productivity and competitiveness for each industry but also implementation of Statutory Minimum Wage Ordinance cannot be improved the quality of living condition. To improve the quality of living condition for grassroots workers, working hard is the best solution. We may put this case of Switzerland in to Hong Kong for reference and we may also make our own choice by a referendum for resolution of implementation of Statutory Minimum Wage Ordinance. / published_or_final_version / Housing Management / Master / Master of Housing Management

Zugl.: Potsdam, Univ., Diss.