Public says it's about time for a minimum wage increase
Minimum wage laws went into effect in 1938, and since then, they have caused a slew of reactions from the American public every time an increase is proposed.
There are two sides to this argument. On one hand, employers usually want to pay their employees as little as possible because, let's face it, labor is expensive. The lower their overhead costs, the more they can keep to improve operations or even create new positions. On the other hand, employees want to make as much as possible for their time and attendance. And as living expenses continue to tick up, they are often forced to make their paychecks stretch further, according to TIME.
Yet, minimum wage increases are inevitable, or we would all still be making 45 cents an hour - the rate first set in 1938. Currently, most American employees must be paid at least $7.25 per hour for all of their hours worked. But to the avail of today's low wage workers, President Barak Obama outlined a plan to raise that rate over the next few years to $9 per hour.
Some people are outraged and argue that paying workers more will stifle job creation and put additional pressure on business owners who are still feeling the crunch from the recent recession. However, those voices might now be in the minority, according to a recent poll from USA Today and the Pew Research Center, which found that seven in 10 Americans are in favor of the lift.
All data and information provided on this news blog is for informational purposes only. Infinisource makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis. Information regarding employment suits and other legal action is not updated after publication, and may not be current.