Why Should Minimum Wage Not Be Increased?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour has not changed since 2009. Increasing it would raise the earnings and family income of most low-wage workers , lifting some families out of poverty—but it would cause other low-wage workers to become jobless, and their family income would fall.

Why is raising the minimum wage bad?

The federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour has not changed since 2009. Increasing it would raise the earnings and family income of most low-wage workers , lifting some families out of poverty—but it would cause other low-wage workers to become jobless, and their family income would fall.

What is the disadvantage of an increasing minimum wage?

A significant increase in the minimum wage could lead to massive layoffs at companies both large and small . If employers are forced to pay workers more, many will cut the number of people they employ in order to maintain profits.

What are two disadvantages to raising minimum wage?

Opponents of raising the minimum wage believe that higher wages could have several negative repercussions: leading to inflation, making companies less competitive , and resulting in job losses.

Will I get a raise if minimum wage goes up?

Raising the minimum wage means that business owners and employees in the United States are legally required to raise the hourly wage for their minimum wage workers—and only their minimum wage workers. If you’re already earning above minimum wage, your employer won’t be required to give you a pay increase too.

What is federal minimum wage?

The federal minimum wage for covered nonexempt employees is $7.25 per hour. Many states also have minimum wage laws. In cases where an employee is subject to both the state and federal minimum wage laws, the employee is entitled to the higher of the two minimum wages.

What is the purpose of minimum wage?

The purpose of the minimum wage was to stabilize the post-depression economy and protect the workers in the labor force . The minimum wage was designed to create a minimum standard of living to protect the health and well-being of employees.

Will the minimum wage increase in 2021?

Effective January 1, 2021, the minimum wage increases to $14 per hour for employers with 26 or more employees and $13 per hour for employees with 25 or fewer employees. The minimum wage shall be adjusted on a yearly basis through 2023 according to the pre-set schedule shown above.

What are the disadvantages of salary?

  • Overtime: One of the main disadvantages of salaried pay is working overtime. ...
  • Pay cuts: Companies going through tough financial periods slash expenses by cutting pay. ...
  • Public holiday pay: Like overtime pay, waged workers are often paid more to work on public holidays like Christmas or Easter.

What is considered a living wage 2020?

In 2020, the Department of Health and Human Services set the federal poverty level at $26,200 for a family of four. 5 That’s equivalent to about $12.60 per hour for a full-time worker. A living wage must at least be greater than the poverty level .

Is minimum wage good or bad?

A minimum wage is the lowest remuneration that employers can legally pay their employees—the price floor below which employees may not sell their labor. Supporters of the minimum wage say it increases the standard of living of workers, reduces poverty, reduces inequality, and boosts morale. ...

What are pros and cons of minimum wage?

  • Pro 1. Raising the minimum wage would increase economic activity and spur job growth. ...
  • Pro 2. Increasing the minimum wage would reduce poverty. ...
  • Pro 3. A higher minimum wage would reduce government welfare spending. ...
  • Pro 4. The minimum wage has not kept up with inflation. ...
  • Pro 5. ...
  • Pro 6. ...
  • Pro 7. ...
  • Pro 8.

What state has lowest minimum wage?

The two states with the lowest minimum wage are Georgia ($5.15) and Wyoming ($5.15) . However, employers in Georgia and Wyoming who are subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act must still pay the $7.25 Federal minimum wage.

What is the minimum wage per hour in 2021?

Employment and Labour Minister TW Nxesi announces minimum wage increases. Employment and Labour Minister TW Nxesi has announced that the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for each ordinary hour worked has been increased from R20,76 to R21,69 for the year 2021 with effect from 01 March 2021.

Is Walmart going up to $15 an hour?

On Thursday Walmart announced that they will be introducing company-wide pay increases which will see the average hourly wage reach $15 an hour . ... The wage rise will affect around 425,000 workers across the United States, over a quarter of the nationwide workforce, who will now be earning between $13 and $19 an hour.

Who decides federal minimum wage?

The federal minimum wage is regulated by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor . Although the federal minimum wage rate is subject to change, it has not increased since 2009.

Rachel Ostrander
Author
Rachel Ostrander
Rachel is a career coach and HR consultant with over 5 years of experience working with job seekers and employers. She holds a degree in human resources management and has worked with leading companies such as Google and Amazon. Rachel is passionate about helping people find fulfilling careers and providing practical advice for navigating the job market.