wage

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Recommended: History of the minimum wage

The controversy around wages in America has always been debated by many Americans whether it be politicians or the working class. It is safe to say that we as working individuals believe that we do not get paid enough for the energy that we unload at our particular job. Also, you can assume that nearly all working class Americans would love to see an increase in their salary as well, who wouldn’t. The federal minimum wage as of today is currently set at $7.25 an hour. (Cq) Six years ago, in 2008, the federal minimum wage was set at $6.55 and 23 years ago, in 1991, the federal minimum wage was set at $4.25. Over a 23 year period, the federal minimum wage in America has only increased by three dollars, when calculated equates to only 13 cents increased per year (dol.gov). Today, many Americans are outraged at the federal minimum wage because there are large amounts of Americans who are getting paid according to the federal minimum wage. As a results, there have been recent acts of protest against big corporation whom generate massive amounts revenue annually, yet pay their employees so little. These acts of protests have occurred all over America and had made such an impact, major new stations in America have started to cover and make news segments around this issue. Although protests have occurred, the protests seemed to have little to no effect on their employers and their current wage situation. With little progress being made by protests, many American citizens are seeking government to assist them with the current wage issue. Within the last few months were politicians who brought up the wage issue here in America, but there seems to be opponents whom disagree and opposes the viewpoints and statements that were bro... ... middle of paper ... ...ince 2008 was only a 70 cent difference. When comparing the cost of ground beef today to the last time the federal minimum wage was increased, Americans on average are spending $65 dollars more. Beef wasn’t the only food product that experienced an increase in price because other options of meats along with fruits and vegetables have experienced an increase in prices of 10 percent or more within the last year while some products experienced over a 20 percent increase when looking at a six year period. The average cost of food at a moderate level for a family of two in the month of March 2008 was $530.60 and the cost of food at a moderate level for a family of four was $767.00 (CNPP.usda.gov). Whereas, in March of this year, the average cost of food at a moderate level for a family of two was $611.30 and the cost for a family of four was $881.90 dollars (CNPP).

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