This comment just rubbed me the wrong way...

[jeff47]

101. Sooooo much wrong in one place.

Her skills are currently worth twice the minimum. After the mentioned increase she will see her pay reduced back down to minimum

Can you read?

It's a serious question. Because every single response to you in this thread has been about how her pay will go up.

Every.

Single.

Response.

And this:

If this is fair in regards to an equipment operator, why not a teacher? Why not set the new improved minimum to match the average salary of the teacher?

Has been answered.

In Every

Single

Response.

If this is fair in regards to an equipment operator, why not a teacher? Why not set the new improved minimum to match the average salary of the teacher?

Nope. It's just high enough that minimum wage increases have not historically translated directly to higher teacher salaries. As has been explained to you in every single response.

Teachers get paid more than forklift operators due to the higher training and scarcity. Thus the forklift operator in question can expect a bump in pay. But a typical teacher will not. Neither will a typical cab driver. Or a typical plumber. Or a typical software developer. Or a typical lawyer.

Sorry that reality gets in the way of your teacher bashing.

These are the contradictions that arise whenever an agent outside the supply / demand loop attempts to meddle. The government can no more decide what an hour of my time is worth than it can dictate the price of pa piece of art.

Ah, no wonder you're desperately trying to not understand. You're a libertarian. So history must be wrong, and your theories right.

The solution, as I said, is not dragging everyone else down

Good thing that isn't what a minimum wage hike does!

See, Mr. libertarian, time doesn't stop the instant after the minimum wage hike goes through. The forklift operator gets to use her ability to negotiate to change her wages. She's worth an $8/hr premium. If her current employer won't pay her $8/hr more, then she will find another employer willing to pay that premium. Because supply and demand still exist, even with minimum wage laws.