minimum wage

"Anthology of diverse viewpoints exploring stagnating wages in the United States and how an increase to the federal minimum wage would affect workers and the economy"--Provided by publisher.

". . . introduces readers to the hot topic of minimum wage increases, which is often in the news. While some people think that the federal minimum wage should be raised to $15 to help lift people out of poverty and pay for rising rents, other people think that it will hurt business and lead to higher consumer prices. . . . Readers will embrace critical thinking skills as they weigh both sides and check out the facts"--Provided by publisher.

"A college-educated young professional details the grueling realities of hourly labor for the fastest-growing segment of the American workforce while outlining strategies for more humane employment practices"--OCLC.

Author Barbara Ehrenreich relates her experiences from 1998 to 2000, during which time joined the ranks of the working poor as a waitress, hotel housekeeper, cleaning woman, nursing home aide, and Wal-Mart clerk to see for herself how America's "unskilled" workers are able to survive on only $6 or $7 an hour.

Presents a collection of fifteen essays from varying perspectives addressing the issue of a person's right to a "living wage" and the debates surrounding the economic impact of the minimum wage.

"This ... look at the minimum wage debate in America traces the history of minimum wage policy at both the federal and state levels, discusses the controversies swirling around the issue, and examines the veracity of claims made by people on both sides of the debate."--From the publisher.

Combines history, economics, and commonsense to make an informed case for $15.00 as the new minimum wage.

"Economists, the media, the courts, and even ordinary people ... weigh in on this contentious issue, allowing students to evaluate the minimum wage from all sides"--Back cover.

Studies the economic life of single mothers on welfare and in low-paying jobs, and argues that while women who hold jobs do have more income, they are less able to make ends meet due to the increased costs of child care, transportation, and other expenses.