minimum wage

• 法律规定雇主必须支付给劳动者的最低工资标准，通常以小时、日或月为计算单位。

The lowest hourly, daily, or monthly wage that employers are legally required to pay their workers, as established by government regulation.

1. Legal minimum payB2formal

   The lowest hourly, daily, or monthly wage that employers are legally required to pay their workers.

   最低工资

   • The government increased the minimum wage to $15 per hour.
   • Many workers struggle to survive on the minimum wage.
   • Employers must comply with minimum wage laws.

2. Economic policy toolC1formal

   A government-set baseline for wages, intended to protect workers from exploitation and ensure a basic standard of living.

   经济政策工具

   • Debates about raising the minimum wage often dominate political campaigns.
   • The minimum wage is adjusted periodically to keep up with inflation.
   • Critics argue that a high minimum wage can lead to job losses.