Minimum Wage Ordinance

Minimum Wage Ordinance is a law that sets the lowest wage that an employer can legally pay to its employees. The concept of a minimum wage is widely used in many countries around the world, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, among others. The purpose of a minimum wage is to protect workers against unduly low pay and to ensure a fair wage for work performed.

History

The first minimum wage laws were enacted in New Zealand in 1894 and in Australia in 1896, in response to concerns about the exploitation of workers. The United States introduced its first federal minimum wage law, the Fair Labor Standards Act, in 1938.

Implementation

The implementation of a minimum wage ordinance varies by country and sometimes within countries. In some cases, the minimum wage is set by a national government, while in others it is set by state or local governments. The level of the minimum wage can also vary depending on the worker's age, experience, and occupation.

Criticism and Support

The minimum wage ordinance has been both criticized and supported for various reasons. Supporters argue that it helps to reduce poverty and income inequality, and provides workers with a basic standard of living. Critics, on the other hand, argue that it can lead to job losses, particularly for low-skilled workers, and can increase the cost of goods and services.

See Also

• Living wage
• Wage slavery
• Income inequality
• Poverty