Running head: FAIR WAGES FOR ESSENTIAL WORKERS 1

Fair Wages for Essential Workers

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How would the state of the economy be like without the essential workers? The

acknowledgment of the critical role that this group of workers plays in society should

undoubtedly form the basis of the fair wage debate. Whereas there are different perspectives on

whether countries should raise the salaries for workers providing essential services, it is crucial

to give a fair wage as essential workers sacrifice their energy, time, and strength to contribute to

the development of the country. Those opposed to this recommendation assert that salary

payment should match the level of education of the workers. Other proponents point out the fact

that the tasks carried out by essential workers are not hard, only that they require more time.

However, countries should raise salaries for essential workers so that they can afford decent

standards of living and also increase their productivity. Companies should implement a

minimum wage law as constituted by the government of Qatar to safeguard the employees.

First, countries should consider raising the salaries for essential workers so as to enable

them to maintain decent living standards. Over the years, the standard of living has continued to

go up, but unfortunately, the increase has not been matched with the level of income made by

essential workers. In particular, the cost of living in Qatar has steadily increased, including the

price of essential goods and services such as housing and food (Doha Team News, 2017). If

companies are to continue paying low wages to their essential workers, this means that these

individuals, as well as the families, will continue struggling in meeting their everyday needs.

Second, countries should consider raising the salaries for essential workers as a means of

motivating their productivity and compensating them for the risks that they are exposed to while

discharging their duties. Essential workers are a critical source of labor in any company, and the

success of such organizations is, to a significant extent, dependent on their productivity. Offering

a fair wage to essential workers is important in increasing both their mental satisfaction and
FAIR WAGES FOR ESSENTIAL WORKERS 3

productivity. By receiving a fair wage, essential workers are likely to feel appreciated and, in

effect, positively influence their level of output.

Nonetheless, critics of raising the wages for essential workers claim that the work done

by this group of workers is not hard and only required more time. This is a flawed perspective to

counter the need to pay essential workers fair wages. Essentials workers risk their lives for the

betterment of their employers’ interests and that of the country as a whole. As such, there is a

need to provide essential workers with fair wages as a means of compensating for the risks they

face and their dedication to work. Another claim opposing the payment of a fair wage is that

essential workers can increase their level of income by looking for part-time jobs. While this is a

plausible idea, most essential workers are engaged for more than 8 hours in their employment,

and it would be impractical to look for part-time jobs.

In conclusion, it is important that countries should increase the minimum wage of

essential workers to enable this group of workers to sustain themselves. Besides, increase the

minimum wage would also go a long way in increasing their productivity and overall job

satisfaction. On the contrary, some argue that the minimum wage should not be increased as

essential workers do not engage in difficult tasks. Others argue that this group of workers can

engage in part-time jobs to increase their levels of income. However, as discussed, essential

workers put their lives at risk and, therefore, deserve fair compensation. Besides, it is not

practical for essential workers to work in part-time jobs as they are mainly engaged in long-

working hours. Therefore, it is important that every essential worker should receive a fair wage.
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Reference

Doha Team News. (2017). Cost of living steady in Qatar, but food prices rising. Retrieved 19th

Oct, 2020 from: https://www.dohanews.co/cost-of-living-steady-in-qatar-but-food-prices-

rising-2/