The Living Wage Movement: Various Ethical Vantages

Introduction

The living wage concept is one that has been battled for many years. It is especially prevalent in debates covering ethical, international, and poverty issues. Defining what the living wage means, is, and what it will cost is one of the most difficult pieces to deciphering all of the contrasting views. It is, however, important to understand how each argument defines these terms so that the points presented can be put into the correct perspective and equally weighed. The living wage began in the early 1900's when a minimum wage was set. The purpose of this wage was to ensure that workers were being adequately compensated for their labor. It was originally based on what it cost to live above the poverty guidelines, but has not adequately increased over time to uphold that standard.

There are two general arguments supporting the living wage movement. First, imposing a living wage can increase the health, morale, productivity, and general well-being of the low-wage workforce. Second, businesses should make certain they are compensating the labor they acquire at a fair wage that will adequately support the needs of workers; instead of leaving the government programs responsible for picking up the slack.

There are three main arguments in opposition of the living wage. First, the higher people are paid, the less people a company can afford to employ. Second, companies may choose not to operate their businesses in cities where living wage ordinances are in place, causing a decrease in labor demand. Third, the government may not be able to afford poverty programs if they must pay more to low-wage employees.

There are four basic ethical contexts with which to view the living wage and each provides a fresh perspective to the living wage argument. These for contexts are Utilitarianism, Egalitarianism, Deontology, and Teleology. It is important to use more than one context to view the living wage in order to adequately weigh all perspectives and create a decision based upon the result.

Defining a Living Wage