A union and a firm are in an on-going relationship that lasts for two periods. In each period there is a potential innovation that could increase total surplus; in the first period the innovation could generate $50; in the second period innovation could generate $90. Without innovation in either period both parties get 0. Prior to any innovation occurring, the union can veto any proposed change; that is both parties need to agree to change for innovation to occur. When the union agrees to innovate for the first time it has some bargaining power so that it can capture one half of the surplus that the innovation generates. If innovation has occurred previously, the union has no bargaining power and gets none of the surplus from innovation. The firm, for its part, can provide additional compensation to the union for agreeing to innovate. This compensation is a payment over and above the surplus that the union would get given their bargaining power. What is the minimum amount of compensation the union needs in order for it to agree to change in the first period?
