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Article: Multiple minimums: Congress hasn't raised the federal minimum wage in years, but many states are increasing theirs.(NATIONAL)
- Article from:
- New York Times Upfront
- Article date:
- February 20, 2006
- Author:
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BACKGROUND
The first minimum-wage law passed in 1938 during the Depression, when millions rived in poverty. There has been a debate ever since between those who say minimum-wage hikes hurt job creation, particularly for the young and unskilled, and those who see it as a guarantee of basic living standards for workers.
CRITICAL THINKING
* Students should understand that although state or federal minimum wages are set at a certain level, employers are always free to pay higher salaries. Ask students why an employer might pay salaries higher than the required minimum wage.
* (One reason is to compete with other employers for available ...