Optimal Public Sector Wages

I build a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model with search and matching frictions to determine the optimal public sector wage policy. Public sector wages are crucial in achieving efficient allocation of jobs. High wages induce too many unemployed to queue for public sector jobs, in turn raising unemployment. The optimal wage depends on the frictions in the two sectors. Following technology shocks, public sector wages should be pro-cyclical and deviations from the optimal policy significantly increase the volatility of unemployment.

Optimal Public Sector Wages Articles