Most of the time, people get lost in the idea of finding a job; however, they do not pay attention to what kind of job they wish to obtain. Low-wage economy can cause such tragic consequences on the society. It is time for the government to step in and help improve the quality of jobs.
According to the article Yes, we need jobs. But what kind?, the median wage for adults in Rio Grande Valley in Texas is only $8.14 an hour. One in four employed adults earned less than $6.19 an hour. Economic stress strains people’s life. Not only do they fear of paying several bills, but also of unexpected costs such as illness, broken car, and challenge of basic needs. Parents have to labor days and nights, they can't afford to miss a day of work to take their kids to doctor's appointments or to school conferences. Teenagers have no motivation in education and question why they should stay in school if all they can get are low wages.
Several researches have shown that if employees are paid better and given more opportunities, the gains outweigh the expenses. It’s time for the federal government to take the lead in creating not just more jobs, but more beneficial jobs. For example, many low-wage jobs in the private sector are financed by taxpayers. The government can set and enforce wage standards for contractors. Labor standards have to be upgraded and enforced now in order to make our society more efficient.
No comments:
Post a Comment