In: Economics
Some states and cities have or have plans to raise the minimum wages to $15/hour. In July, the House of Representatives passed legislation to raise the federal minimum wage to $15/hour. There also have been many protests (especially in the fast food industry) over the past 2 years about setting a $15 minimum wage. Amazon has raised its minimum wage to $15, Target plans to have a $15 starting wage by 2020, WalMart is working toward $15, and Senator Sanders (Vermont) has been pressuring companies to raise their minimum wages to $15/hour. Discuss and analyze the economic implications about this topic. How does the political aspect of the debate affect the economic analysis?
The increase in the minimum wages has diverse economic implications. They are listed as below.
Negative Implications
1. There will be a fewer job creation in the economy than before. This is because the wages paid to the employees are higher than before, which increases the production costs.
2. When the cost of production increases, the prices of the goods rises leading to inflation.
3. Small business firms stands to loose
Positive implications
1. Insrease the standard of living of the people.
2. Reduce the inequalities among the rich and poor .
3. Encourages the people to join the workforce.
The politicians favour as well as oppose this move based on the above mentioned grounds.
Many companies are forced to increase the wages since their counterparts has increased it. But, the increase in the minimum wage will be beneficial to the economy only if it is increased up to the desired level , taking in to consideration the demand and supply of labour.