Minimum wage was introduced in 1938 as part of the Fair Labor Standards Act. It was

signed into law by President Franklin Roosevelt. The minimum wage at that time was 25 cents

an hour. It has risen very slowly since then. Today it stands at $6.75 an hour, in California.

This wage still keeps most workers unable to provide for the basic needs of their

families. Basic needs such as housing, utilities, food and health care have to be chosen one over

There are arguments for and against the minimum wage. One argument is that it

works against the poor because it allows businesses to exploit workers who have skills

worth more than the minimum wage, but they are only paid what the law requires.

The worker has very little recourse because the businesses are within the law. The result is

that businesses become more profitable but none of it trickles down to the workers.

One argument in favor of the minimum wage is that it sets a bottom line wage.

It does not stop businesses from paying workers a higher wage. Both these arguments

have some merit, but both have the same result. Why would an emplo

I end up having to cut the employee’s hours also.

These businesses in return, need to give up some of their profit so that workers can take care

and single, some even live at home with their parents, so $12 an hour gives them money in

industry employs more than half the nations hourly workers at or below minimum wage, even

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