Why do Conservatives think raising minimum wage creates unemployment?

Question

Australia Minimum Wage = $15 per hour
Unemployment = 6 percent

New Zealand Minimum Wage = $14 per hour
Unemployment = 5 percent

Germany Minimum Wage = $10 per hour
Unemployment = 5 percent

Canada = $10 per hour
Unemployment = 7 percent

Denmark = $20 per hour
Unemployment = 6 percent

Answer 1

I suspect that in an era of mass immigration -- and obvious excess labour -- few conservatives believe that that is a particularly good argument anymore.



I think most "conservatives "are simply against the imposition of a minimum wage , in principle , because they see it as an infringement of their rights and freedoms.



Personally however-- and I'm a Conservative -- I would like to see a linkage between (say) the average pay within a publicly quoted corporation and the pay of its executives ,such that significant tax penalties are imposed on the profits of that company ,if that linkage is breached .



Perhaps then , shareholders might use their powers to restrict executive greed.

Answer 2

Where do you get your numbers from? And what currency they are they in?



Canada's minimum wage averages $10.40 per hour... but that is in Canadian dollars. In US dollars that is... $7.50. Australia's minimum wage averages $17.29... but again Australian dollars. In US dollars that is only $12.41. Denmark's minimum wage is not $20 per hour. That is the average of minimum wages across collective bargaining agreements (i.e. union jobs). There is no legally stipulated minimum wage in Denmark. The lowest wage industries average $10.71 (US) per hour.



Next, you need to adjust by cost of living. Getting paid $7.50 (US) in the US is far better than $7.50 (US) in Canada. Cost of living (gas, food, rent, etc.) is 26% higher in Canada. Australia has a 41% higher cost of living. Denmark is 38% higher than the US. And many costs are higher at the low end.



So... none of these countries have a significantly higher minimum wage when you list their actual minimum wages, convert them to the same currency, and adjust by the cost of living to get their actual purchasing power. Many countries you list have a significantly lower minimum wage. I don't see how you are drawing any meaningful conclusions of minimum wage vs. unemployment rates without getting the minimum wage numbers correct and standardized.

Answer 3

So take your pick and move, Dweeb.