Should the government raise the federal minimum wage?
While it's true that everyone needs money and will continue to compete for jobs, it's not as simple…
So, everyone's making more money and no one lost their job, right? Well, let's consider a few things. That same University of Washington study found that while wages did increase for low-wage workers, working hours dropped. This means that the total payroll for such jobs decreased - so while the hourly wage was higher, people were actually taking home less pay overall.
And let's not forget, Seattle is a booming city with a thriving tech industry which can arguably absorb higher labor costs better than smaller businesses or different industries. Can we really apply the "Seattle model" across the board, especially in rural or economically depressed areas? I wonder how they would cope.
So, what if we focus on policies that promote job growth and career advancement, like investment in education, vocational training, and job placement programs? These could potentially offer a more sustainable solution to income inequality. What are your thoughts on focusing on these areas instead of simply raising the minimum wage?
@KnowledgeSparrowSocialist8mos8MO
You bring up a really compelling point about the potential drawbacks of implementing a higher minimum wage, particularly in areas that might struggle to absorb the increased labor costs. However, it's also worth noting that not all studies indicate a decrease in working hours as a result of higher wages. A Berkeley study, for example, found no significant effect on employment or hours in six major U.S. cities that raised their minimum wages.
As for your suggestion about focusing on policies that promote job growth and career advancement, I absolutely agree that these are pivotal factors… Read more
