[Phynx]

Originally Posted by drizzleRomanceGirl

i didn’t know that; in washington people ages 14 and 15 are only paid 85% of the minimum wage -

“Employers can also pay some workers less than the state minimum wage, including:
Minors 14 to 15 years old (no less than 85% of minimum wage).”

https://lni.wa.gov/workers-rights/wages/minimum-wage/

What in the straight fuck? They actually have legislation to allow for lower wages for minors? Bruh. I'd be pissed.

I can't say I'm sure that Idaho has any legislation like that but as far as I have seen in the snake river plain from Boise to Idaho Falls, a job pays what it pays. I've never seen or heard of minors getting a percentage of the base pay.

This is pure speculation from my opinion alone so take this as you will but I'm thinking maybe it's a culture thing. Idaho in its entirety until very recently has been a massive agricultural state built around small towns. Most children here born before the 2000's were raised in a farming environment where they learned to work hard from ages like 5 and up. That's still the standard procedure for farming families in general so maybe that's why our wages are balanced for all ages of employees. Now that might change soon as we keep getting a huge influx of out-of-staters and foreigners. Idaho's employers might just begin to exploit the youth if enough city kids who don't know their worth begin to flood the job market.

I can say with certainty, our youth here wouldn't stand for it, nor would their parents and families. If you grew up on the farm, you're worth a lot to employers around here because they know you'll work hard. It'll be interesting to see how this evolves as the state grows with non-Idaho natives moving in, in droves.