“A fair minimum wage is a sound investment in the future of our communities and our nation.”
and
“Now, more than ever, it’s imperative that employees are paid a fair minimum wage.”
Or even:
“Low minimum wages do NOT help small business.”
Statements by Irish trade union leaders?
No. Actually, these quotes are from business leaders cited in press releases issued by the ‘Business for a Minimum Wage’ project in the United States. The project is run by ‘Business for a Shared Prosperity’, which describes itself as “a network of forward-thinking business owners, executives and investors committed to building enduring economic progress on a strong foundation of opportunity, equity and innovation.”
Compare and contrast with this from Patricia Callan of the Small Firms Association, calling for an immediate €1 cut in the minimum wage last July:
“Establishing a minimum level of pay by dictat rather than market forces is proving to be a negative employment strategy.”
Meanwhile, writing in today's Irish Times, Paul Sweeney notes that:
"Wage cuts will lead to deflation and exacerbate the crisis. Further, wages are but a small part of competitiveness." You can read the full article here.
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