What do Philippe Aghion and Dean Baker have in common?

Jeff Sachs and Bob Pollin?  Peter Temin and Mark Thoma?  Brad De Long and James Galbraith?  Ken Arrow and Bob Solow (besides the fact that they have both won the you-know-what)?  Or for that matter, Jagdish Bhagwati and I? 

We all support this.

Comments

[BudaFriend]

Paul De Grauwe is making a provocative, but complementary argument to your petition: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/f9e3fee4-0117-11de-8f6e-000077b07658.html

[Joel]

yes . . .

and the vast majority of economists got this downturn correct . . .

[RV]

How many of the signed have ever been members of unions?

[Keith]

Probably many of them, since they have probably been teaching/research assistants.

[Dave Levy]

That Frank Levy knows his stuff.

[Richard H. Serlin]

Dani,

I know unions are a sensitive issue for economists in the Democratic camp. Unions have pros, but like many things, they aren't all pros. There are some cons, as there are with any form of monopoly. Could you give us your explanation of why you think the pros outweigh the cons, and could you compare the union solution to low wages and benefits for the unskilled to the solution of universal healthcare, more steeply progressive taxation, a better safety net, programs to improve education and make college and retraining much less expensive, with full support to cover reasonable personal and family living expenses, etc.

[Tord Steiro]

Richard H. Serlin:

There is always a risk that institutions will not work as intended. However, what we know is that the current framwork in the US labourmarket does NOT work anywhere near satisfactory levels.

Of course, you could risk getting unionization Italian style, where both unions and management treats the company as an inextortable source of wealth, hence engaged in a race to the bottom of wealth-grabbing.

On the other hand, you may very well get a Scandinavian-style unionization, that has worked out quite differently.

Karl Ove Moene explains how:http://www1.worldbank.org/devoutreach/nov03/article.asp?id=352

P.S.
For the Scanidavian economies, this was part of a package. I see you have noticed the rest of this package.

[Dylan]

Hi Dani - in principle I have nothing against labour's right to organise. But why would your and your co-signatories' plan have a different outcome to Hoover's encouragement to industry in 1929 (also backed up by influential economists of the day I believe!) to maintain nominal wages in the face of declining demand and falling prices? He believed such "scientific weapons" would bring the business cycle under government control. Industry played ball in 1930, but all the measures did was further collapse business profits, pressurise share price and thus the financial system and arguably make the employment declines worse than they would otherwise have been.
Dylan

[Sebastian]

@Dylan & Rich:
I think you approach the issue too abstractly: This isn't about creating incredibly strong unions which could monopolize anything (though cf. the above comment on Scandinavia on why that actually might not be so bad)
but to rebalance labor relations.
Having a union in a company - especially the type of companies that are currently being organized (mainly by the 'Change to Win' unions) will lead to somewhat better wages (but if you look at those companies, the wage results are hardly breathtaking), but perhaps more importantly, union representation provides better monitoring of safety standards and other aspects of labor regulation (overtime, breaks etc.), which are frequently disregarded in the US service sector (ask any labor sociologist).

Reagan very consciously tipped the scale against labor unions in the early 1980s and the EFCA would create some balance.

Remember how weak the labor movement in the US currently is - EFCA is not going to suddenly make labor super strong. It's going to be most effective in those cases, where employers actually engage in borderline or outright illegal activities to prevent unionization.
(and no, I'm not a union member)

[Gene O'Grady]

Mr. Serlin,

Please define "unskilled." I know it's patronizing, but I'm not sure it's meaningful.

[Per Kurowski]

I have often been a vociferous defender of the role of unions and so I understand the need of workers to act together in order to defend themselves against management powers (and as shareholders often must do too) but to me “free choice” has to do with the right of a “secret vote” not with having to declare my vote on a public list.

We should always be free to sign up on any list we want, or be free to disclose who we voted for, but a vote should be a vote, should be a vote.

Freedom is much too valuable so as to bend on something as fundamental to it as the right to vote in secret. Opening this door could lead to that next time around a chávez asks us to sign up our vote for him, on his list, and so I do not support the entirety of this communiqué.

[Sebastian]

Per - funny you should mention Chavez:
No one doubts that votes in Venezuela are secret (at least I haven't seen any such accusations). However, what the anti-Chavez opposition has frequently alleged is that Chavez abuses his power to influence election and that Chavez supporters intimidate opposition voter - exactly the types of obstacles that workers trying to form a union frequently encounter.

Now, I would say that Chavez' Venezuelan democracy is a lot less tilted against the opposition workplace "democracy" in the US is tilted against worker association.
Basically it comes down to this: Who is more likely to intimidate a worker - union organizers or the person who pays his wages and on whom s/he depends for employment. I think the answer is pretty clear, both intuitively and empirically.

[Murat Akgun]

Using examples like Chaves that invoke strong emotions cloud the critical issues. Just as not all companies are innocent when it comes to their treatment of the "union issue", nor are the unions. One only needs to take a look at a brief history of the Teamsters Union. One side being wrong doesn't make the other side right. As important as it is to put intelligent worker protections in place; it is just as important to protect the integrity of the secret vote that our democratic system depends upon. The two are not mutually exclusive!

[Richard H. Serlin]

Ok, low skilled, and it is a very meaningful distinction. There's not a concern about the wages of workers with high skills and education in marketable areas (in less-marketable areas, externalities that inefficiently depress wages should be addressed). One of the key reasons for the low wages of the non-unionized low skilled is that their education and marketable skill level is low. Thus, a key part of the solution is to improve education, promote education, provide incentives for education, and make it easier to afford. This will not only increase wages, it will increase the total production of the economy, the total size of the pie.

[hubertus stor]

Raivo Pommer
[email protected]

Caos und Arbeitlos

Der Machtkampf zwischen Continental und Schaeffler eskaliert. Conti-Aufsichtsratschef Hubertus von Grünberg trat jetzt mit sofortiger Wirkung zurück.

«Es zeichnet sich ab, dass Continental weiter Schaden nimmt«, sagte der 66-Jährige gestern in Frankfurt nach einer Sitzung des Aufsichtsrats des Autozulieferers. «Wir laufen Gefahr, in das Schaeffler-Problem hineingezogen zu werden.« Von Grünberg kritisierte, die schwer angeschlagene Schaeffler-Gruppe sei der Forderung nach einem tragfähigen Zukunftskonzept nicht nachgekommen und stattdessen auf Konfrontationskurs gegangen.

Der Herzogenauracher Autozulieferer, der wegen der auf Pump finanzierten Conti-Übernahme hoch verschuldet ist, wies die Vorwürfe von Grünbergs zurück. Grünberg habe das Vertrauen im Aufsichtsrat verloren, hieß es. Die Besprechung eines Zukunftskonzeptes habe bei der Sitzung in Frankfurt überhaupt nicht auf der Agenda gestanden.

[simone]

The idea is quite simply a bad one. It fails to account for the use of coercion. I care not one bit that you and a handful of economists support the bill. One can find smart people supporting all sorts of bad ideas for ideological reasons. the use of peripheral cues versus logic and facts suggest that you are making an emotional appeal.

[runescape money]

I recently came accross your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

[air jordans]

As all around the world ,we know Michael Jordan is the super star in NBA .His quotes is one of my favorite ,that is .“I can accept failure, but can not accept to give up.”

[penis enlargement]

The best recommended products for fast penis enlargement methods to get better results with no side effect visit: http://www.pennisenlargementproducts.com

[nike dunks]

It is a wonderful article,i like it,thank you very much!

[cheap jordan shoes]

An excellent post. You have explained all about cancer in detail. There is nothing left to explain now. Thanks.

[michael jordan shoes]

Your article very interesting, I have introduced a lot of friends look at this article, the content of the articles there will be a lot of attractive people to appreciate, I have to thank you such an article.

[Vintage Jewelry]

I read the article which you linked here. I agree with every word said there. Now I understand what is common between all the big modern economists:) Thanks for the post!

[rolex watches]

This is clearly replica watches the job for our legal fraternity to engage the establishment to necessary breitling watches steps by filing petitions in various courts. IF one fails another should be cartier watches filed taking every one to task. It is rolex watches useless to suggest ways and means to solve tag heuer watches the day to day problem to well paid employees tissot watches of government controlled establishments. Only active omega watches judiciary will resolve this problem.
http://www.watchvisa.com
http://www.watchvisa.com/breitling-watches.html
http://www.watchvisa.com/cartier-watches.html

[rado watches]

Why is everyone just montblanc watches willing to accept power cuts? Don't you think that patek philippe watches having continious power is your right? If people aren't going to demand rado watches 24X7 power, don't expect anything zenith watches to change. The government needs to look at other sources parmigiani watches of power generation. The only solution is more power panerai watches production. Nothing less.
http://www.watchvisa.com/montblanc-watches.html
http://www.watchvisa.com/patek_philippe-watches.html
http://www.watchvisa.com/rado-watches.html
http://www.watchvisa.com/tudor-watches.html

[bvlgari watches]

They should take up building BVLGARI Watches dams for power generation. We should FRANCK MULLER watches learn from china. They have the world's largest dam for power CHANEL Watches production, it alone produces 22,000 MW of LONGINES Watch power. So, unless the government opens up the economy more for iwc watches foreign investors, this power cut problem is a life long disease every hublot-watches india will need to face.
http://www.watchvisa.com/bvlgari-watches.html
http://www.watchvisa.com/chanel-watches.html
http://www.watchvisa.com/franck_muller-watches.html

[ed hardy clothing]

Remember how weak the labor movement in the US currently is - EFCA is not going to suddenly make labor super strong.

This is a hot post I think.

[chi hair tools]

Applying for my first job, I realized I had to be creative in listing my few qualifications. Asked about additional schooling and training, I answered truthfully that I had spent three years in computer programming classes. I got the job. I had neglected to mention that I took the same course for three years before I passed.

[sousoushoes]

http://www.sousoushoes.com I agree with this post. Hope this will have a positive change.http://www.tootoospace.com

[ghd hair staighteners]

MBT shoes come true your dream-Joseph Fiennes High-quality, cheapest price, the most assured method of payment and the fastest transport, which is mbt women's purchased online advantage, gucci shoes for men have more than these, our after-sales service is really very place,GHD Pink Styler as long as Do you have any questions, our international customer service department’s customer service staff will answer all of your any questions about MBT Shoes, MBT Shoes lets you complete peace of mind to buy!cheap ghd staighteners

[MBT Shoes]

provide incentives for education, and make it easier to afford. This will not only increase wages, it will increase the total production of the economy, the total size of the pie.

[ghd straighteners]

GHD straighteners was kmown as ghd flat iron, which was authorized online seller provides all kinds of hair straighteners,pink ghd,purple ghd,babyliss. By visiting ghd australia , you will find what you want and made yourself more beautiful.If you miss it ,you miss beauty.Buy a piece of ghd for yourself.Come and join us http://www.ghdoutlet-au.com/ to win the ghd iv styler.

[mlb jerseys]

this part of your blog is vry interesting Conventional thinking has it that Gilts are the “go-to” asset in a supposedly deflationary recession, and a number of fund managers – most notably Eclectica’s Hugh Hendry – have gone on record with their fondness for owning government debt.

[birkenstock]

Birkenstock was Made in Germany since 1774 . Check out our Birkenstock sandals and Birkenstock shoes including the Birkenstock gizeh,at the lowest regular outlet prices, free shipping and when you put on Birkenstocks. you will feel very comfortable.

[p90x workout]

Kenpo X was http://www.p90xmall.com created to give P90X users a high-intensity cardiovascular workout packed with lots of punching and kicking combinations to improve balance, http://www.p90xmall.com endurance, flexibility, and coordination. During this workout you'll learn some of the most effective ways to defend yourself, while at the same time getting your body in peak condition.

http://www.p90xmall.com

[cheap clothes online]

IF one fails another should be cartier watches filed taking every one to task. It is rolex watches useless to suggest ways and means to solve tag heuer watches the

[p90x sale]

ce, flexibility, and coordination. During this workout you'll learn some of the most effective ways

[cheap coach handbags]

o” asset in a supposedly deflationary recession, and a number of fund managers – m

[chi hair straightener]

sityey d in a supposedly deflationary recession, and a number of fund managers – m

[designer shoes]

I would like to fight for my freedom......

[timberland 6 inch]

There were timberland 6 inch sensitivity and a beauty to her that have nothing to do with timberland 6 inch boots looks. She was one to be listened to, whose words were so easy to take to timberland boots sale heart.I used to find notes left in the collection basket, beautiful timberland boots outlet notes about my homilies and about the writer's black timberland boots thoughts on the daily scriptural readings. The person who penned the notes mens timberland boots would add reflections to my thoughts and would always include some timberland pro boots quotes from poets and mystics he or she had white timberland boots read and remembered and loved. The notes fascinated black timberland shoes uk me. Here was someone immersed in a search for truth and beauty. Words had been cheap timberland boots treasured, words that were beautiful. And I felt as if the words timberland waterproof boots somehow delighted in being discovered, for they were obviously very generous to the as yet anonymous timberland work boots writer of the notes. And now this person was in turn learning the secret of sharing them. Beauty so shines when given away. The only truth that exists timberland hiking boots is, in that sense, free. http://www.timberland6inch.com/

[womens uggs]

The article written by you very good, I like it very much. I will keep your new article.

[authentic jordans]

Extremely great post, really beneficial stuff. Never thought I’d find the facts I would like in this article. I’ve been looking all over the net for some time now and was starting to get irritated. Thankfully, I stumbled onto your website and received exactly what I was looking for.

[Volumerates.com]

IF one fails another should be cartier watches filed taking every one to task.

[ugg adirondack boot]

I really like the excellent quality ugg adirondack tall from this outlet. So sweet!

[wholesale mac cosmetics]

Authentic mac cosmetics online saving 40-60% off on summner seasons!

[mini phone dual sim]

progressi tecnologici che hanno migliorato la loro funzionalità e precisione. Tuttavia, la raccolta firma originale di cellulari cect
cellulari dual sim orologi Bell & Ross è estremamente costoso per la gente comune.R4i DSI patch DLDI può automaticamente giocare, e integrato nel software kernel Moonshell giubbotti moncler
piumini moncler
multimediali, al fine di realizzare il film

[piumini moncler]

tra 30 giorni per 1 anno. Se mi stanno prendendo in considerazione l'acquisto di un cronoscopio replica da Internet, assicuratevi di verificare il prezzo come da molte fonti con quale nome possibile

[mbt shoes sale]

The 90s was the decade when the Taliban were in power in Afghanistan and it had a spill-over effect on the bordering areas of Pakistan, along the Durand line in NWFP and Balochistan. And that probably seeped into Punjab and Sindh gradually.

[Account Deleted]

We understand all too well that scholars convey extensively hefty learned burdens chasing a stage which pledges a brighter future career. Affordable Writing is joyous to offer expert term paper assist to those who seem bogged down with critical written check stress.

Essay Writing

[Account Deleted]

We at Savers Point provide opportunity to our visitors to become smart buyer since buying smartly is not just buying cheap but buying the best at the right time from right place at right price.

Dubai Deals

[Account Deleted]

Nice post. This post is different from what I read on most blog. And it have so many valuable things to learn.

Term paper writing

Thank you for your sharing!

[Mbtmbtshoes]

American each big tobacco companies face to cope with the compensation lawsuit, also move sufficient brains,http://www.asicsusashoes.com/

[Mbtmbtshoes]

Out of respect for the individual, the life of respect, smoking hurt, shall have the right to obtain purchased compensation.http://www.mbtusasale.com/

[Mbtmbtshoes]

In order to ensure purchased compensation can continue to cash, tobacco company cannot collapses, so must place outside the United States KuangZhuan more money, http://www.uggsaleaustralia.com/

[Account Deleted]

raf

Thanks.

[Account Deleted]

All of them were great thinkers who stand out from the crowd

Vitamins for Hair Growth

[Account Deleted]

Wow !!!
this post is very Informative and very Nice !!!
i like this post
thanks for sharing Info !!!
http://healthcare-products.blogspot.com/2011/01/related-links.html
http://chemicalslabs.blogspot.com/2011/01/related-links.html
http://electronicsconsumer.blogspot.com/2011/01/related-links.html
http://aparelandfashion.blogspot.com/2011/01/related-links.html
http://mechanicalparts.blogspot.com/p/links.html
http://electronicandaccessories.blogspot.com/2011/01/related-links.html
http://fashionandaccessoriesproducts.blogspot.com/2011/01/related-links.html

[Account Deleted]

Hello !!!
I read complete article this article has my some research.so thanks for sharing,.,.
Essay Writing

[oyunlar]

I seem to remember a little document called Constitution, it talks about pursuit of happiness and Human Rights for Americans and democracy in USA. orjin krem I don't remember it postulated pursuit of Globaloonie, Free Trade, Supernation Federation run by Jeffry Sachses of this world.

[Account Deleted]

Philippe Aghion and Dean Baker have in common is read full article,
i like this article. :P

Wholesale backpacks

[Account Deleted]

Helpful advises above. I have noticed that many people are using twitter for marketing. I would love to try this too for my business.

laptops in islamabad

[Account Deleted]

http://www.ghdstyle-au.com/ghds.html
http://www.chihairflatirons.us
http://www.ghdsoutlet.com
http://www.googleghdhair.com

[Account Deleted]

Hi Dani,

I read Complete article, this article interesting and informative...

Thanks for sharing Info.. :)
Creating Survey

[Account Deleted]

Great job done by you, Dani..I enjoyed to read it whole..

Acidophilus Supplement

[Account Deleted]

Many places and centers offer business and trade promotions to both buyers and supplier.What about the differences in skill intensities across industries? The job losses in the relatively unskilled-labor intensive battery industry should have little effect on the relatively skilled-labor intensive machinery
sexshop
sexyshop
sexshop online
alongador peniano

[Account Deleted]

Your work has always been a great source of inspiration for me. I refer you blog to many of my friends as well.

Propolis Extract

[Account Deleted]

Merchants chinese mobile phones that hope to participate from the Chinese drop ship business have to ascertain that they have info feeds. The presence of data feeds is surely an critical administrative aid for that merchants wholesale electronics. It enables them to download assets in one significant swoop not having having to go right down to every single item android smart phone.

[Account Deleted]

Helpful advises above. I have noticed that many people are using twitter for marketing. I would love to try this too for my business.
Pakistan stock market

[Account Deleted]

Nice post. This post is different from what I read on most blog. And it have so many valuable things to learn.Thank you for your sharing!
laptops

[Account Deleted]

Thanks for sharing the ways on how to do it.
guaranteed seo sem

[Gethiv]

Every single web page ought to have that! magnetic energy

[Account Deleted]

The post is so interesting. This catches much interest. The post is amusing.
synology ds1511 review

[Account Deleted]

Thank you for the insight. This is mind-opening. I admire the discussion put in here.
best electric snow blower 2011

[Account Deleted]

hay really great one

Marketing Video

[Account Deleted]

powerpoint recovery files

yours blog is perfect, and I like this article

[Account Deleted]

Awesome, Very interesting issue that after a very successful. Nicely written article good work ! Thanks for the great piece of sharing. Enjoy to read your write . Thanks a lot
Creating History Together With ArenaBetting Piala Eropa 2012 http://seotoolinfo.com/2012/06/creating-history-creating-history-together-with-arenabetting-piala-eropa-2012/
Agenliga Sebagai Agen Bola Online Untuk Euro 2012 http://seotoolinfo.com/2012/06/agenliga-agenliga-com-sebagai-agen-bola-online-untuk-euro-2012/

[Account Deleted]

Whether you need any help in giving a finishing touch to your papers or writing the difficult chapters or need the analysis of those critical assignments, you can take help from us anywhere anytime. We are just a call away.

Essay Paper Writing