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Returns to Tenure or Seniority?

Author

Listed:
  • Buhai, Ioan-Sebastian

    (Stockholm University - SOFI)

  • Portela, Miguel

    (University of Minho)

  • Teulings, Coen

    (Utrecht University)

  • van Vuuren, Aico

    (University of Groningen)

Abstract

This study documents two empirical regularities, using data for Denmark and Portugal. First, workers who are hired last, are the first to leave the firm (Last In, First Out; LIFO). Second, workers' wages rise with seniority (= a worker's tenure relative to the tenure of her colleagues). We seek to explain these regularities by developing a dynamic model of the firm with stochastic product demand and hiring cost (= irreversible specific investments). There is wage bargaining between a worker and its firm. Separations (quits or layoffs) obey the LIFO rule and bargaining is efficient (a zero surplus at the moment of separation). The LIFO rule provides a stronger bargaining position for senior workers, leading to a return to seniority in wages. Efficiency in hiring requires the workers' bargaining power to be in line with their share in the cost of specific investment. Then, the LIFO rule is a way to protect their property right on the specific investment. We consider the effects of Employment Protection Legislation and risk aversion.

Suggested Citation

  • Buhai, Ioan-Sebastian & Portela, Miguel & Teulings, Coen & van Vuuren, Aico, 2008. "Returns to Tenure or Seniority?," IZA Discussion Papers 3302, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp3302
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    seniority; efficient bargaining; irreversible investment; LIFO; matched employer-employee data; EPL;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
    • J41 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Labor Contracts
    • J63 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Turnover; Vacancies; Layoffs

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