VOL. XV, NO. 1
SEPTEMBER 28, 1973
Editorial
$ 1.60 Inadequate
$ 1.60 Inadequate
You asked the boss for a raise a couple of weeks ago and were turned down.
This is, in effect, what happened if you are one of many teenagers currently being paid to labor over a hot grill at a drive‑in or engaged in some similar type of job. Recently, President Nixon vetoed a bill which would have raised the $1.60 minimum wage established in February 1968 to $2 on November 1, and $2.20 next July 1. His veto was upheld by the House of Representatives.
Mr. Nixon feels the bill would prove inflationary. Yet, it has been figured that only 0.4 per cent would be added to the country's total wage bill this year by the proposed increase.
This is, in effect, what happened if you are one of many teenagers currently being paid to labor over a hot grill at a drive‑in or engaged in some similar type of job. Recently, President Nixon vetoed a bill which would have raised the $1.60 minimum wage established in February 1968 to $2 on November 1, and $2.20 next July 1. His veto was upheld by the House of Representatives.
Mr. Nixon feels the bill would prove inflationary. Yet, it has been figured that only 0.4 per cent would be added to the country's total wage bill this year by the proposed increase.
Opponents of the bill also contend that its blockage is in the best interest of the young, who are thought to be employed mainly in menial or part‑time jobs which might be eliminated by employers for economic reasons.
There is no doubt this would happen in a few cases. Yet, many students depend on this income to cover college education costs and other expenses. Barely adequate five years ago, today this wage is unrealistic and insufficient.
There is no doubt this would happen in a few cases. Yet, many students depend on this income to cover college education costs and other expenses. Barely adequate five years ago, today this wage is unrealistic and insufficient.