Minimal minimums...

Minimum wage goes up in July here in Arkansas. I'm going to have to let a ref or two go.

Minimum wage pisses me off. Sweat shops and abusive child labor makes me angry, too. But where's the middle ground? I employ young people. For 99 percent of them this is their first paycheck. Most of them are minimally aware of the responsibilities of holding a job. I'm not paying them an "allowance". There are additional responsibilities involved. Most are not even aware of the number one rule. Get to work on time. Or the second number one rule. Don't call your employer a half hour before opening time to let him know you have a family obligation (or you have Saturday school detention).

I take my responsibility to these young people seriously. I prepare them for the real world of employment. I allow them to make mistakes. I give them second chances. I tutor and mentor them - on my time.

Should they be working for free like interns? I don't think so. They have a tough job and deserve compensation. But should they be making minimum wage before the are minimally experienced?

I don't think so.