Wages, Layoffs, and Privatization: Evidence from UkraineUpjohn Institute Working Paper 06-126J. David BrownHeriot-Watt University
John S. Earle, Senior Economist
Vladimir Vakhitov
February 2006 JEL Classification Codes: D21, G34, J23, J31, L33, P23, P31 AbstractThis paper estimates the effects of privatization on worker separations and wages using retrospective data from a national probability sample of Ukrainian households. Detailed worker characteristics are used to control for compositional differences and to assess types of observable “winners” and “losers” from privatization. Preprivatization worker-firm matches are used to control for unobservables in worker and firm selection. The results imply that privatization reduces wages by 5 percent and cuts the layoff probability in half. Outside investor ownership reduces separations but leaves wages unaffected. Winners from privatization tend to be higher-skilled employees of larger firms, but there is no discernable relationship with gender, education, or experience. Full text | Institute Home Page | Back to Working Papers       |