Wages, Layoffs, and Privatization: Evidence from Ukraine

Upjohn Institute Working Paper 06-126

J. David Brown
Heriot-Watt University

John S. Earle, Senior Economist
W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research
Central European University
e-mail: earle@upjohninstitute.org

Vladimir Vakhitov
University of Kentucky
Kyiv-Mohyla School of Economics

February 2006

JEL Classification Codes: D21, G34, J23, J31, L33, P23, P31

Abstract
This 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.

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