1. Interference in the labour market

2. Minimum Wage  A minimum amount per hour which most workers are entitled to be paid.  U.S. minimum wage is 15,000 USD /year  Ghana minimum wage is 689 USD/year

3. Reasons for Minimum Wages  Increases the standard of living for the poorest and most vulnerable people in society.  Hopefully this would reduce poverty.

4. Reasons for Minimum Wages  Stimulates consumption by putting more money into the hands of people who quickly spend their entire paycheck.

5. The Effects of Minimum Wage Legislation  This can be illustrated using supply and demand.

6. Reasons Against Minimum Wages  Some people are willing to work for less, yet employers cannot hire them at that wage rate.  Reduces the quantity of workers demanded.  May cause price inflation.

7. Do minimum wages cause job losses?  Answer this correctly and you can skip the remaining economics classes for the year.  How does the elasticity of demand affect your answer?  What if the minimum wage is the same as the equilibrium wage?  What about the studies in your book?

8. Trade Unions  These are organisations that exist to protect the interests of workers.  Remember the voice of all is stronger than the voice of one.

9. Trade Unions  They negotiate pay and working conditions.  They provide legal protection.  They can put pressure on governments.

10. Trade Unions  A strong trade union can force wage rates to go up in some labour markets.  This wage rate may be above the equilibrium price for that kind of labour.  This is not market efficiency at its best.

11. Trade Unions  How would you feel about a strong trade union if you were an employee of a business?  How would you feel if you were the owner of the business?

12. Factors To Consider  Elasticity of demand for labour.  Machines do not go on strike.  Machines do not need dental insurance.  Does the employer need to hire only union employees?  Does the employee need to be a member of the union?