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Organized Labor and Restructuring: Coal Mines in the Czech Republic and Romania

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Listed:
  • Jan Bruha
  • Delia Ionascu
  • Byeongju Jeong

Abstract

We examine the role of organized labor in the restructuring experience of two coal mining regions in the 1990???s: Ostrava in the Czech Republic and the Jiu Valley region in Romania. Under similar external circumstances, the Ostrava region undertook gradual restructuring from early on whereas in Jiu Valley there was no restructuring until 1997, followed by massive layoffs over two years. We conduct a quantitative exercise that accounts for the mine productivity, the labor market conditions, and the constraints in compensating the laid-off miners. We show that the delay in restructuring in Jiu Valley was inefficient: gradual restructuring with compensation would have benefited both the miners and the government. The proximate reason for the delay was the Jiu Valley miners??? action against restructuring. We interpret their action in part as a behavioral pattern under a perceived threat to their livelihood. This accords with their history of militancy in contrast to Ostravian miners.

Suggested Citation

  • Jan Bruha & Delia Ionascu & Byeongju Jeong, 2005. "Organized Labor and Restructuring: Coal Mines in the Czech Republic and Romania," William Davidson Institute Working Papers Series wp773, William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan.
  • Handle: RePEc:wdi:papers:2005-773
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Acemoglu, Daron & Robinson, James A., 2001. "Inefficient Redistribution," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 95(3), pages 649-661, September.
    2. Stephen L. Parente & Edward C. Prescott, 2002. "Barriers to Riches," MIT Press Books, The MIT Press, edition 1, volume 1, number 0262661306, December.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    organized labor; restructuring; coal; transition; welfare;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O17 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Formal and Informal Sectors; Shadow Economy; Institutional Arrangements
    • J50 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor-Management Relations, Trade Unions, and Collective Bargaining - - - General
    • P31 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist Institutions and Their Transitions - - - Socialist Enterprises and Their Transitions
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes

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