Comments for Brazil's Lula Proposes 17% Raise in Minimum Wage at http://www.brazzilmag.com , comment 0 to 2 out of 2 comments http://www.brazzilmag.com Sun, 29 Nov 2009 16:46:03 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.brazzilmag.com/content/view/5299/1/#pc_921 \"the value of the minimum wage is \"in perfect harmony\" with the country\'s reality.\" Completely trunked and faked due to the effect of the MULTIPLE minimum wage contract. VERY SAD REALITY, would have been more appropriate. - Guest Wed, 25 Jan 2006 11:12:07 +0100 http://www.brazzilmag.com/content/view/5299/1/#pc_952 An increase in the minimum wage is normally supposed to reduce wealth inequality, especially in Brazil ! Correct ? Your problem is that millions and millions of workers and most state workers salaries are based on a multiple of the minimum wage, whatever the multiple is. Now assume one worker has 1 minimum wage, the second worker has 5 minimum wages, and the third has 10 minimum wages. The first worker increases his salary from Reais 300 to 350, the second from 1500 to 1750 and the third from 3000 to 3500. Correct ? Then can anyone explain how the wealth inequality has been REDUCED ??????????? Because all those on a multiple wage contract get the same percentage increase of 17 %, whatever they earn, even if the multiple is 30, 50 or more ! This clearly means that Lula is again buying vote not only with poors, but also with the middle and upper class. Even confirmed by the fact that this year the increase is effective from April instead of the usual month of May, exception happening curiously enough......in an election year, giving him more time for his campaign. Anyone can guess why. Is Brazil a true democracy ? I doubt it when there is vote buying at every level from citizens to political parties involving the highest politicians : the lawmakers and the government members themselves. Nothing will ever change with such a climate. - Guest Wed, 25 Jan 2006 11:02:30 +0100