Women and Minimum Wage

Rick Patterson

Attorney

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Minimum wage is a hot topic. Why wouldn't it be. While the middle class is shrinking, the gap between the - almost all male - CEOs and minimum wage workers - largely women - has grown enormously. I believe we can surmise that can't be good for the country and/or the economy.

It is true that business owned by woman are growing at twice the national average. With that said, women business leaders have been ignored almost completely in the ongoing public debates regarding minimum wage.

If people are expected to be able to support themselves and their families without assistance, they must make a wage that makes that possible. I have to agree with Amy Lyman, co-founder and chair of the board of directors of the Great Place to Work Institute, a global research and management consultancy, when she said "Paying people a fair wage is a sign of respect and acknowledgment of the value of people's contributions to the business."When people are treated fairly and with respect, they will provide unparalleled levels of support and commitment inside the business, and to clients and customers. Everyone is more successful when people are paid a living wage."