6/11/2008

Minimum Wage Hike Is Hurting Teen Employment

A couple of days ago I wrote about the consequences hiking the minimum wage, with the first stage taking place last year, the second next month, and the third stage next year. Many argued against it, saying it would have a negative effect on those seeking their first jobs, most of those being teens. Those arguing for it claimed it would help those trying to support their families to make ends meet.

The first group was right. The second group was wrong.

Even with the need for more teens to fill some seasonal jobs, many employers aren't listing them because it makes no sense economically for them to do so. They'll try to make do with the employees they already have or will hire fewer teens and try to juggle the schedules (usually meaning longer work hours) in order to stay in business.

A guest post at Patterico illustrates the point about how some businesses just won't hire teens they might have otherwise because it's a losing proposition for them to do so.

Talk about yet another example of the Law of Unintended Consequences.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Comments are welcome. However personal attacks, legally actionable accusations,or threats made to post authors or those commenting upon posts will get those committing such acts banned from commenting.