Minimum wage news today

Here are some recent news articles and updates on minimum wage:

United States:

• The federal minimum wage in the United States has been stuck at $7.25 per hour since 2009. There have been ongoing efforts to increase it, but so far, no changes have been made.
• In January 2022, the Biden administration proposed a $15 per hour minimum wage for federal contractors, but it has not yet been implemented.
• Some cities and states have raised their minimum wages above the federal level. For example, California, New York, and Massachusetts have minimum wages of $15 per hour or higher.

International:

• In the United Kingdom, the minimum wage is £9.50 (approximately $12.50 USD) per hour for adults, and £4.81 (approximately $6.30 USD) per hour for 18-20-year-olds.
• In Canada, the minimum wage varies by province, but the federal minimum wage is $15.00 per hour.
• In Australia, the minimum wage is AU$19.49 (approximately $13.50 USD) per hour.

Recent Developments:

• In March 2023, the International Labor Organization (ILO) called on countries to increase their minimum wages to at least $12 per hour to help reduce poverty and inequality.
• In February 2023, the US Senate passed a bill to increase the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour, but it has not yet been passed by the House of Representatives.
• In January 2023, the city of Seattle, Washington, raised its minimum wage to $17.50 per hour, making it one of the highest minimum wages in the United States.

Arguments For and Against Raising the Minimum Wage:

• Proponents of raising the minimum wage argue that it would help reduce poverty and income inequality, as well as stimulate economic growth.
• Opponents argue that raising the minimum wage could lead to job losses, as businesses may be forced to cut staff or reduce hours to offset the increased costs.

I hope this information is helpful!