Federal Minimum Wage Falls Below Poverty Line, Leaving Millions of Workers in Crisis
The federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour has dropped below the poverty threshold in 2025, with full-time workers earning $600 less than the federal poverty line annually. The stagnant rate, unchanged since 2009 despite rising living costs, is severely impacting workers across 21 states and contributing to America's growing homelessness crisis.
Female Invest Raises $23M to Empower Women's Financial Education Globally
Danish platform Female Invest secures major funding to expand its mission of making financial literacy accessible to women across 125 countries. The female-founded company aims to break barriers in finance through educational content, having already achieved notable success with a bestselling book and Forbes recognition.
Costco's Bold Move: Top Clerks to Earn Nearly $32/Hour in Major Wage Boost
Retail giant Costco announces significant wage increases for hundreds of thousands of workers, with top-scale clerks reaching $31.90 per hour by March 2024. The comprehensive three-year agreement includes enhanced benefits and vacation time, setting new standards in retail worker compensation.
Financial Strain Intensifies: 73% of American Workers Living Paycheck to Paycheck
A sobering new study reveals that nearly three-quarters of American workers can barely cover basic living expenses, with many taking drastic measures like relocating or working multiple jobs to survive. The 2025 Wage Reality Report highlights the growing disconnect between stagnant wages and rising costs of living.
Washington Takes the Lead: 21 States Ring in 2024 with Higher Minimum Wages
Washington state has surpassed California and New York with the nation's highest minimum wage at $16.66 per hour. The wave of increases across 21 states will benefit over 9.2 million workers, highlighting the growing divide between state and federal minimum wages.
Major Minimum Wage Hikes Coming in 2025: Over 9 Million Workers to Benefit
Twenty-one states and 48 cities will raise minimum wages in 2025, impacting over 9.2 million workers across the U.S. The increases, driven by inflation adjustments and new legislation, will help workers facing poverty while highlighting the stagnant federal minimum wage.
The Great Decoupling Myth: Rethinking the Productivity-Wage Gap
Recent economic analysis challenges the popular narrative of a widening gap between worker productivity and compensation since the 1970s. The data reveals that when including total compensation and using consistent inflation measures, productivity and worker earnings have grown in tandem over the past 75 years.
Wage Theft Crisis: Over $1.5 Billion Recovered for US Workers in Recent Crackdown
Federal and state authorities have recovered more than $1.5 billion in stolen wages between 2021-2023, exposing widespread wage violations across industries. Despite this progress, experts warn that billions remain unrecovered as many workers face barriers to claiming their rightfully earned pay.
Youth Minimum Wage Gap: Balancing Fair Pay with Employment Protection
Young workers globally face structured minimum wage policies that result in lower pay compared to older counterparts doing similar work. While meant to protect youth employment opportunities, there's a gradual policy shift toward age equity in minimum wages.
Starbucks Baristas Launch Nationwide Holiday Strike Over Wage Disputes
Starbucks Workers United initiates a five-day strike across major US cities, with plans to expand nationwide through Christmas Eve. The action comes after failed contract negotiations, with workers demanding higher wages while the company maintains its current compensation package is competitive.