Examine the table below which contains some labour market data for the Bahamas (2009 - 2014) and answer the questions which follow. Year Avg. monetary labour income for workers in their main occupation in the last month, PPP Avg. monetary labour income for formal workers in their main occupation in the last month, PPP Avg. monetary labour income for informal workers in their main occupation in the last month, PPP Unemployment Rate Monthly Minimum Wage, PPP 2009 2,069.32 1,774.19 3,450.47 13% 770 2011 1,992.92 1,836.31 2,663.86 15% 770 2012 1,818.44 14% 770 2013 1,614.73 1,604.85 1,652.05 14% 770 2014 1,674.15 1,593.31 2,055.34 14% 770 a. Given the theorized relationship between the unemployment rate and the minimum wage in the static model of the labour market, how should the unemployment rate respond to a constant minimum wage? b. How does this compare to the data shown in the table? Explain. c. Note that there is a difference in income depending on employment in the formal sector and that these incomes are different from the minimum wage. Using the theory of compensating wage differentials and other reasons, explain why the wages might vary for workers in the formal sector versus the informal sector.
Examine the table below which contains some labour market data for the Bahamas (2009 - 2014) and answer the questions which follow.
Year | Avg. monetary labour income for workers in their main occupation in the last month, PPP | Avg. monetary labour income for formal workers in their main occupation in the last month, PPP | Avg. monetary labour income for informal workers in their main occupation in the last month, PPP | Monthly Minimum Wage, PPP | ||
2009 | 2,069.32 | 1,774.19 | 3,450.47 | 13% | 770 | |
2011 | 1,992.92 | 1,836.31 | 2,663.86 | 15% | 770 | |
2012 | 1,818.44 | 14% | 770 | |||
2013 | 1,614.73 | 1,604.85 | 1,652.05 | 14% | 770 | |
2014 | 1,674.15 | 1,593.31 | 2,055.34 | 14% | 770 |
a. Given the theorized relationship between the unemployment rate and the minimum wage in the static model of the labour market, how should the unemployment rate respond to a constant minimum wage?
b. How does this compare to the data shown in the table? Explain.
c. Note that there is a difference in income depending on employment in the formal sector and that these incomes are different from the minimum wage. Using the theory of compensating wage differentials and other reasons, explain why the wages might vary for workers in the formal sector versus the informal sector.
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