Strengthening Worker Power

Yet, our research shows that [blank] is another important avenue for strengthening worker power: making it easier for them to find new, better-paying jobs. Policymakers have the tools to empower workers to find new jobs even when market conditions aren't tilted in their favor. Here are some measures the government could consider. Antitrust laws and enforcement have traditionally focused on [blank] competition for products or services such as oil, health care or telecommunications. But it's important that our labor markets are sufficiently competitive, too. In a competitive labor market, employers must compete with one another for workers through pay, benefits or working conditions. Research shows that [blank] jobs are concentrated among a small number of employers, workers are more likely to earn lower wages. Policymakers could start by more closely scrutinizing corporate mergers for signs they could decrease competition [blank] workers. Regulators should keep a close eye on combined companies that compete for the same workers in a specific labor market.