Converation thread

People are going to continue to compete for jobs wether there’s a change in pay or not everyone needs money

While it's true that everyone needs money and will continue to compete for jobs, it's not as simple as that. Consider the impact on those in low-wage jobs, often working multiple jobs just to make ends meet. If wages remain stagnant while the cost of living continues to rise, these individuals will face even greater financial hardship.

Let's look at the city of Seattle, for example. They gradually increased their minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2021. Research conducted by the University of Washington found that workers earned more following the wage increase, and there was no…  Read more significant job loss. This suggests that a higher minimum wage can be beneficial for workers without necessarily causing job scarcity.

What if we look at this issue from the perspective of the working poor rather than the job market as a whole? How would you suggest we address the wage stagnation and income inequality issues without raising the minimum wage?

You bring up a really compelling point about the potential drawbacks of implementing a higher minimum wage, particularly in areas that might struggle to absorb the increased labor costs. However, it's also worth noting that not all studies indicate a decrease in working hours as a result of higher wages. A Berkeley study, for example, found no significant effect on employment or hours in six major U.S. cities that raised their minimum wages.

As for your suggestion about focusing on policies that promote job growth and career advancement, I absolutely agree that these are pivotal factors…  Read more. However, I would argue they should work in tandem with a higher minimum wage, not replace it. The immediate concern for many struggling families is making ends meet, and higher minimum wage can provide immediate relief.

Meanwhile, long-term solutions like education and vocational training can indeed offer a more sustainable path towards income equality. But these are not mutually exclusive strategies. Both are essential pieces of the puzzle.

Focusing on the education aspect, what do you think about the idea of the government providing more funding for vocational training and apprenticeship programs to help people acquire the skills they need for better-paying jobs?