Wages

Some big U.S. employers are giving their lowest-paid employees a raise. That's helped make low-wage workers one of the few segments of the workforce seeing an increase in pay.

The highest minimum wage in the nation just went into effect in Oakland, Calif. But what does that mean for young people and how are businesses making it work?

Early in 2014, the economy was floored by the polar vortex — plus, businesses and consumers were dazed by a government shutdown and debt limit fight. But it rebounded, and analysts are optimistic.

Most union members won't benefit from a higher minimum wage because they already earn far more than that. With membership declining, some union leaders fear collective bargaining is dead.

U.S. manufacturing jobs have rebounded since the recession, but many of those positions pay less than they used to. Some states are now questioning whether competing for those jobs is worth it.

Fast-food workers in New York City are on strike for the second time in six months, demanding higher wages that they can live on. Workers complain that $7.25 an hour, New York's current minimum wage, is not enough to live in the city.