(Replying to PARENT post)

In the case of most US states, I think it's fair to say that the minimum wage is moot. As you say, hardly anyone would consider working for less than that anyway. But why take away their freedom to do so?
👤npoc🕑1y🔼0🗨️0

(Replying to PARENT post)

Well I think for one there is a power imbalance between employees and employers that seems primed for abuse without some regulatory minimum.

Also is the goal to maximize the number in the workflow, or get people out of poverty? Having them work for less may increase employment figures but they'll still be in poverty. The minimum wage has shown to decrease employment but also lift the people employed out of poverty [1].

1. https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/2021-02/56975-Minimum-Wage....

👤rhcom2🕑1y🔼0🗨️0

(Replying to PARENT post)

No freedoms are being taken away, save for those of businesses that would like to increase their margins by paying their workers less.

These fictional people who would love to work for less than $7.25/hr are free to do gig work that nets them less. They are also free to panhandle on the side of freeway off-ramps, which I imagine many would prefer to the concept of being paid $5/hour to take orders from a person who lacks enough respect for their fellow man to pay them more than that.

The removal of the minimum wage would simply be a gift to employers taken from the pockets of actual workers. Businesses don't just pay the minimum wage out of the kindness of their hearts; to pay that wage is code for "I would pay you less if I could."

👤kimbernator🕑1y🔼0🗨️0

(Replying to PARENT post)

> But why take away their freedom to do so?

Minimum wage laws don't do that. You're completely within your rights to volunteer your time for no compensation at all if you wish.

👤Shekelphile🕑1y🔼0🗨️0

(Replying to PARENT post)

I think in THEN USA the minimum wage is moot as long as companies can pay people less than that in lieu of tips.

It's nit really "minimum" if companies can pay less legally.

👤xtracto🕑1y🔼0🗨️0