Happy's Place, Minimum Wage, and Rectify make up our list of the best Netflix shows to binge this week.

YouTube video by butbetter_shorts

BAE Urban Economics presented an impact analysis finding that a $30 minimum wage phased in by employer size would likely raise county personnel and facility costs by about $33–34 million per year and increase child-care direct compensation costs by roughly $7.8 million annually; consultants also warned of cross-border and business-location risks.

via US news | The Guardian — Cost of living has loomed over this election cycle as workers and unions champion candidates fighting for higher wages and tackling rising prices For millions of Americans heading to the polls on Tuesday, affordability is a constant and worsening issue, and it’s been a prevailing concern this election cycle. In Lorain county, Ohio, Gina Jones and her co-workers at the Lorain county job and family services have been on strike since February 2026, the longest public sector strike in Ohio history a

Prices didn’t leave working Americans behind all by themselves. Decades of weakened unions, stagnant wages, billionaire tax cuts, and policies favoring capital changed who gets the money…

Chancellor John Healey has indicated that younger workers may not receive the same minimum wage as older workers before the next election, potentially breaking a Labour manifesto commitment. In 2024, Labour pledged to eliminate 'discriminatory age bands' by closing the pay gap between 18-20-year-olds and over-20s. However, the recent Budget announcement revealed that 18-20-year-olds will see a minimum wage increase to £11.27 per hour in 2026, while those over 20 will receive £13.21, maintaining a significant disparity. During a BBC interview, Healey stated, 'We'll take one step at a time,' suggesting the plan to equalise wages might be postponed. He defended the approach by arguing that delaying the wage equalisation could encourage businesses to hire more young people, stating, 'I want to make sure we can look hard at those trade-offs that are there between jobs and wages.' He also acknowledged the 'moral shame' of having a million young people 'written off without any prospect of being helped into work.' The Chancellor further indicated potential significant cuts to public spending to reduce national debt, with the Institute for Fiscal Studies questioning the feasibility of these plans. Healey confirmed the government's commitment to 'hard decisions about the priorities in government,' adding that they would 'carry that through to the 10-year plan and the spending review next year.' The announcement has drawn criticism from unions and left-wing Labour members who view it as a retreat from the party's original promise. The government maintains it is still committed to closing the wage gap but will proceed cautiously to balance employment opportunities with fair pay. This development highlights the ongoing tension between immediate economic pressures and long-term social policy goals within the Labour government.

Netflix's new show Minimum Wage is the perfect workplace sitcom for Gen Z audiences to binge.

Unions negotiate strong contracts. But they aren't worth the paper they're printed on unless we also vigorously enforce them.

loser 4 loser rights !! #minimumwage

The expected Budget rise would slow pay growth for younger workers as food manufacturers and hospitality businesses warn of higher costs

The Labour Party has reversed its manifesto commitment to equalise the minimum wage for workers under 21, following a significant youth employment crisis. The decision comes after the government faced mounting pressure from business leaders and economic analysts who warned that the policy would exacerbate job losses among young people. The original pledge, made during the election campaign, aimed to address the growing disparity between the minimum wage for under-21s and the national living wage. However, the party has now admitted that the policy would have had unintended consequences, including reducing job opportunities for young workers in sectors such as hospitality and retail. The reversal has been met with criticism from opposition parties and youth advocacy groups, who argue that the government is failing to support young people during a time of economic uncertainty. The government has stated that it will instead focus on targeted support measures for young workers, including apprenticeships and training programs. This shift in policy highlights the challenges faced by the government in balancing economic stability with social welfare initiatives. The decision has also sparked debate about the effectiveness of minimum wage policies in addressing youth unemployment. Critics argue that simply raising the minimum wage without addressing broader structural issues in the labor market will not solve the underlying problems. The government has yet to announce specific details of the new support measures, but has pledged to provide further updates in the coming weeks. This reversal marks a significant retreat from Labour's initial stance and raises questions about the party's commitment to its core policies.