As I’ve posted before in an open global economy production wages in the U.S. will only increase until the cost of a product exceeds the cost of an imported competitive product. Employer paid sick leave, vacation time, medical benefits and retirement significantly increase labor costs. U.S. production companies can’t compete with foreign companies that incorporate “sweat shops” with extremely low pay and virtually no benefits. Tariffs on imports helps maintain higher wages but increases the product cost to all U.S. consumers. From an employer perspective wages should be based on skills provided and supply and demand. I agree that in high cost areas competitive wages will be greater than in low cost areas. That is why it is absurd to establish a national minimum wage. Legal and illegal low skill immigrants increases supply and reduces demand and therefore wages and associated benefits. A high wage based on worker’s need instead of skill eventually results in reduction of low skilled jobs via automation.