But despite their success on the pitch, they have struggled to attract crowds large enough to sustain a Conference-level wage budget.

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The unions, supported by former cabinet ministers, are fighting a proposal to replace collective wage agreements with company-level ones, a reform that would make it easier to fire workers.

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If the minimum wage is kept to a reasonable level, it can be a good idea.

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If the Fed continues to keep a lid on the growth of nominal incomes, slow wage growth may eventually bring real wages down to a level required for full employment.

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Unemployment in the U.S., which is running at 8.1%, means there are people available to work when jobs open up and the rate is at a level that there is no wage pressure.

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Whatever level is chosen, a minimum wage cannot help the jobless, and might well increase their number.

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Guest workers would be paid a wage similar to American workers with the same level of experience, according to the AFL-CIO's understanding.

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The president and other champions of a higher minimum wage clearly recognize the value of entry-level work.

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Wage income is taxed progressively at the individual level, with a top rate of individual tax of 35%.

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Even supporters of the minimum wage worry about the implications of pushing it a lot closer to that level.

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There was frustration at public sector wage reductions and the termination of many benefits, although at a grass roots level it was accepted that the economy was in a mess.

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There was no shortage of workers at the lower wage level, so why give an unforced pay raise let alone a doubling?

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As a Gen-Xer, I feel bad, too, for entry-level workers because all the jobs that pay above minimum wage and even a lot of low-pay jobs for that matter require prior experience!

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