In: Economics
Suppose the market demand and supply for labor hours in a segment of a labor market affected by a minimum wage in a certain state is given by the table below.
Labor Hours Demanded |
Hourly Wage |
Labor Hours Supplied |
72 |
$10 |
85 |
73 |
$9 |
80 |
75 |
$8 |
75 |
77 |
$7 |
70 |
79 |
$6 |
65 |
81 |
$5 |
60 |
Using the graph below, show the equilibrium wage and hours of labor in this market.
Suppose the state government sets a minimum wage of $9 per hour. Using the graph below, and beginning from the equilibrium you identified in a), demonstrate the effects of this minimum wage on; i) the quantity of labor supplied, and, ii) the quantity of labor demanded. Has the minimum wage raised or lowered the hours of labor employed? Explain.