By using this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use. Close

I do not believe it possible to predict the impact of a raise in the minimum wage. Here are the direct impacts

Bad
- Some businesses will close down rather than pay increased wages
- Some businesses will increase prices or reduce production to offset the rise in labor costs
- Some services currently offered will be eliminated (classic example, shoe shiner)
- Some workers above the minimum wage will experience a decrease in wages or slower pay increases
- There will an increase in black market labor activity (pay "under the table", illegal immigrants, etc.)
- Some employees will lose their job


Good
- Workers at the minimum wage will get raises
- Workers earning the higher minimum wage will increase consumption
- Workers earning the higher minimum wage will become more productive
- Service will improve in industries will minimum wage earners
- The children of minimum wage earners will be healthier and perform better academically
- Some workers may enter the labor market that otherwise wouldn't

There is no legitimate economic study I am aware of that can quantify these impacts.

If raising the minimum wage is a bad idea, luckily inflation will fix it over time. It is not really a hot button issue for me.



Lifetime Sales Prediction - 6/29/2013
Wii U - 38 million
XBOX One - 88 million
Playstation 4 - 145 million