I don't understand employers who try to get out of paying their employees minimum wage -- or even better, a *living* wage.
Due to the flexible nature of the term "living" there is not an accepted measure of what a living wage is - so it does vary by location and household type.
Absolutely -- however at best, employers take that into account depending on their location.
The labor laws in the UK are pretty amazing - right to leave for child care, flexible working hours, 28 paid holidays and a minimum wage.
Ummmmm.....jealous! Not always the case in the US unfortunately. You've listed a wish list for many Americans, right there.
Exactly - the US has a minimum wage that is ridiculous and discourages working more than 40 hours - that is nothing.
You mean working for 40 hours at that wage is nothing? You're right! Especially if benefits are limited.
The US Labor law's aim is to remedy the unequal power between employees and employers, but it really doesn't do much of anything to guarantee the minimum wage or even the hours worked.
That's why I *so* admire those companies and organizations that take it upon themselves to do the right thing. The ones that remember it's *humans* they employ.
Those employers do not think about the employee at all - they just treat them unfairly for their own benefit.