Would the implementation of a UBI could lead to a reduction or elimination of the minimum wage and might this be a positive thing?
The first minimum wage was in 1984 New Zealand and, in my estimation, it's been a way to stop employers exploiting workers. As long as a minimum wage is a big subject for debate we know that it remains necessary. But if a UBI is implemented, a minimum wage may no longer be necessary.
Assuming that a UBI is implemented at a level which is just barely livable, people could leave jobs that, in their estimation, did not provide sufficient remuneration for their time. Rather than being compelled to work out of necessity, a UBI would increase worker choice. Employment that previously paid too little for the long hours of drudgery would have to pay more in order to tempt people to perform the jobs or go out of business.
Perhaps some jobs that were particularly desirable for alternate reasons could even fall below the previous minimum wage standard. With people still willing to work as 'candy tasters' for less than the current minimum.
On the other hand, we know certain corporations will take any chance given to screw down their employees so maybe a minimum wage would be necessary even with a UBI, but perhaps it could be set at a lower level. It's at least plausible to me that the implementation of a UBI could do away with the need to tweak the minimum wage every few years and at least that would stop the 'why not raise it to $25/h hurr-durr' comments from the current PM.
The first minimum wage was in 1984 New Zealand and, in my estimation, it's been a way to stop employers exploiting workers. As long as a minimum wage is a big subject for debate we know that it remains necessary. But if a UBI is implemented, a minimum wage may no longer be necessary.
Assuming that a UBI is implemented at a level which is just barely livable, people could leave jobs that, in their estimation, did not provide sufficient remuneration for their time. Rather than being compelled to work out of necessity, a UBI would increase worker choice. Employment that previously paid too little for the long hours of drudgery would have to pay more in order to tempt people to perform the jobs or go out of business.
Perhaps some jobs that were particularly desirable for alternate reasons could even fall below the previous minimum wage standard. With people still willing to work as 'candy tasters' for less than the current minimum.
On the other hand, we know certain corporations will take any chance given to screw down their employees so maybe a minimum wage would be necessary even with a UBI, but perhaps it could be set at a lower level. It's at least plausible to me that the implementation of a UBI could do away with the need to tweak the minimum wage every few years and at least that would stop the 'why not raise it to $25/h hurr-durr' comments from the current PM.