Minimum Wage Policy Essay

The problem in this dissertation, is that since 2009, the minimum wage income remains unchanged and the legislation in the United States (US) is not uniformed; which creates wage imbalances across the country and the minimum wage earners are held in a quandary. (Addison et al, 2013) Under the current legislation, various industries and several states are exempt from the minimum wage laws; which impedes the workforce from earning more income. (DOL, 2016) Individuals employed in certain industries exempt from the current minimum wage laws, such as retail workers (non-management), switchboard operators, farm workers and workers with disabilities have a disadvantage when competing for wages. In an attempt to establish a new minimum wage law for their states, 29 states’ policy makers were able to do so; however, some of these states lack the necessary resources to enforce the …show more content…
The four elements identified are explored for outcomes of establishing a new minimum wage policy: (1) higher education, (2) increased skills & self-development, (3) employee loyalty, and (4) economic stability. (Albright & Brannon, 2014; Devinatz, 2013; Even & Macpherson, 2014; Giulietti, 2014; Hovenga et al, 2013; Rogers, 2014) The population of this study are employees currently earning the minimum wage, in the states and industries that are exempt from the minimum wage laws. (Campolieti et al, 2014) The need for this study, is to provide policy makers, employers, and other interesting parties who opposes changes to the current legislation and an increase wages, with information which may lead to the development of a comprehensive minimum wage law. (Qin & Chernew, 2014) The findings in the study can be used to design and develop a new minimum wage legislation that will benefit the employees, employers and the economy. (Thom & Riley,