Originally Posted by Antithesis

I was not trying to convince you that they were trying to pay below the minimum. You said that I said it. What I said was:
-Most businesses pay below the minimum
-Some pay it or higher out of either benevolence or deception
-This particular plant did the latter. Reason: unknown, but likely deception
Even if immigrants are payed the minimum, usually it is lower than what Americans are willing to work for. Thus, wages are depressed. It has been estimated that, in 2006, the average wage for illegals was $5.45. The minimum in 2006 was $5.15. It's not much over the minimum, but it's damn close.