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Proponents of federal minimum wage increase face uphill battle

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Joe Biden’s historic stimulus package included relief for American families, businesses and state and local governments.  One line item that did not make into the relief bill is an increase to the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour – a disappointment to proponents who have advocated for years for a federal wage increase.

Dr. David Schein, an expert in employment law tells WBKB the minimum wage is a losing issue at a time of high unemployment.  He said while the measure has bipartisan support, it is not the right time to force the issue.

“The feds indicate a loss of 1.4 million jobs if the $15 minimum wage was pushed through at this time,” said Dr. Schein.

“The proponents to try to sell this on the basis of poverty level, but the reality is that the value of a job is based on its economic value, not what the person doing it needs. This sounds tough, but it’s straight talk,” added Dr. Schein.