What is the difference between a minimum wage law and a living wage law?
The difference between a minimum wage law and a living wage law is quite substantial. Minimum wage laws are set by the federal government, and in most cases the state. The federal minimum wage is currently set at $7.25 an hour, while some states like North Dakota have their own minimum wage laws which vary from the federal law. The purpose of a minimum wage law is to ensure that employers pay their employees a wage that is fair and livable. A living wage law is more stringent than a minimum wage law as it sets an hourly wage that is designed to provide a worker with basic necessities and a decent quality of life. It takes into account factors such as the cost of living in a specific area, the cost of food and housing, as well as other basic necessities. Living wage laws are not set by the federal government, but individual states like North Dakota, may set their own living wage laws. Currently, North Dakota does not have a living wage law, but some local governments have passed their own living wage ordinances. The difference between the two types of wage legislation is significant. While minimum wage laws focus on providing employees with a livable wage, living wage laws provide a higher wage that can help workers meet their basic needs and enjoy a decent quality of life. As such, living wage laws are much more beneficial to workers, and can help alleviate poverty and inequality.
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