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How does a bilateral monopoly affect the equilibrium wage and employment levels compared to a perfectly competitive labor market?

a. Increases wage, decreases employment
b. Decreases wage, increases employment
c. Increases both wage and employment
d. Decreases both wage and employment

User Kedar B
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Final answer:

The correct option is a. A bilateral monopoly in a labor market has a union on the supply side and a monopsony on the demand side. It leads to a lower level of employment and an indeterminate outcome for the equilibrium wage.

Step-by-step explanation:

A bilateral monopoly is a labor market with a union on the supply side and a monopsony on the demand side. In a perfectly competitive labor market, both the wage and employment levels are determined by the interaction of supply and demand.

However, in a bilateral monopoly, the equilibrium level of employment will be lower compared to a competitive labor market. The equilibrium wage, on the other hand, could be higher or lower depending on the bargaining power of the union and the monopsony. The union typically favors a higher wage, while the monopsony favors a lower wage.

User Ty Morton
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