Should businesses pay employees a mandated minimum wage,

or should they pay it according to what free market and their

needs dictate?
Yes, businesses would pay employees a mandated minimum wage, because these
reasons:

 People who are making the minimum wage are not using public services as many
as those who are unemployed would. As you can see, unemployed people are
given welfare, food stamps and rent assistance. Thus, having as many people as
possible on minimum wage would lower the need for public assistance, which will
reduce the tax burden on communities and the state.
 Reasons for setting a wage minimum included stabilizing the economy and
ensuring that all workers, including those who were not labor union members, were
at least able to afford basic living necessities.
 Employees who receive adequate compensation are better able to clothe, house and
feed themselves and their families. Minimum wage laws are also perceived as
necessary to protect workers from exploitation by unscrupulous employers. In some
areas, minimum wages are actually higher than those established by the federal
government.
 When employees are paid well, they enjoy better mental and physical health. When
employees are healthy, their performance improves; they are happier and are
motivated to improve their skills. Business owners benefit from having happy,
motivated workers on their team. This is why many companies, even in industries in
which low wages have historically been the norm, will voluntarily pay more than
minimum wage to their workers.
 Workers who have more time and money can then invest in their education. This
further increases their productivity. It improves the attractiveness of the country's labor
pool. A more educated workforce increases innovation and the number of small
businesses.
 Some research shows that a minimum wage can increase the number of jobs in an
economy. Businesses find other ways to offset higher labor costs. They raise
prices or reduce the number of hours worked. Worker morale, productivity, and
consumer spending all increase.
 Sorry, I just have to disagree with your point, in case of poverty, a minimum wage
laws may not reduce the country’s poverty. It helps the workers who have jobs but
increases unemployment. The purpose of minimum wage laws is to stop employers
from exploiting desperate workers.
 The purpose of minimum wage laws is to stop employers from exploiting desperate
workers. The minimum wage should provide enough income to afford a living
wage. That is the amount needed to provide enough food, clothing, and shelter.