Minimum wage increases refer to the adjustments made to the lowest legal hourly pay that employers can offer their workers. These changes are often implemented to help workers keep up with the rising cost of living and to reduce poverty levels. Governments may raise the minimum wage at the federal, state, or local level, depending on economic conditions and policy decisions. Supporters of minimum wage increases argue that they can lead to higher earnings for low-income workers, boosting their purchasing power. Critics, however, express concerns that raising the minimum wage may lead to job losses or increased prices for goods and services, as businesses adjust to higher labor costs.