When the minimum wage was implemented under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, workers received $.025 per hour. It increased to $1.00 in 1956. Twenty years later the minimum wage went to $2.30. As of July 2009, the wage now stands at $7.25.
The following states pay ABOVE minimum wage:
Washington $8.55; California, Illinois & Massachusetts $8.00; Vermont $8.06; Oregon $8.40; Rhode Island & Michigan $7.40; Maine & New Mexico $7.50; Ohio $7.30; Colorado $7.28; District of Columbia $8.25
These states pay BELOW minimum wage:
Arkansas $6.25; Wyoming $5.15; Georgia $5.15; Minnesota $6.15; Kansas $2.65
There are 7.7 million workers who hold down more than one job.
Obviously you can understand why with minimum wage not keeping up with today's cost of living.
**Statistics provided by the U.S. Department of Labor**
2 comments:
Thanks for this information, Bev. It helps to stop and take stock of the FACTS of our day to day living. I was shocked to see those states where the minimum wage is less than the norm. Amazing how those governments think people can live on so little. I suppose they feel that the cost of living in their states are lower. Whatever their rational, it seems wrong.
Happy Labor Day, anyway!
To my own financial detrement, I pay my employees from $9.50 - $17.00 per hour. I want to treat them right, like family, and so they will stay will me for the long-term. I also provide all of their meals. I cook for them on days that we are working in the workshop, and provide there meals and drinks when we are on-site.
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