For a number of years, the concept of raising the minimum wage has garnered significant support or opposition depending on which side your opinion falls. On one hand, the current Federal minimum wage rate seems very low given today's economy and current cost of living. On the other hand, a significant and rapid rise would create increased burden on companies to produce increased profits and, many forecast, cause a reduction in employment and/or a rise in prices/costs of products. There is no easy answer.

1) Research the current Federal minimum wage rate and site the Federal law from where it comes. Also research the minimum wage dictated by your state law and provide your home state and the current rate.(OHIO)

2) As many of you currently work in entry level positions and often are at the Federal Minimum or just above it, it is easy to get caught up in the frenzy regarding raising the rate. However, balance your discussion as an HR representative tasked with developing a recommendation to your Leadership regarding setting new minimum rates and how that would affect your workforce. If your Vice President asked your opinion, how would you respond? Please justify your position. For example, would it depend on the industry, the current profitability of the organization, the number of people affected, etc.

3) How would you go about costing out the impact on the organization. Remember internal equity principles.