The California State Constitution is one of the fundamental documents used to establish and regulate power, organization, and duties within the state. The constitution covers various aspects of regulation and responsibilities from voting rights to taxation to local transportation funds. However, the constitution does not address every issue and is rather open-ended and malleable, allowing changes to be made through amendments in order to better represent the state electorate. In regards to labor relations, Article 14 Section 1 of the state constitution states that, “The Legislature may provide for minimum wages and for the general welfare of employees and for those purposes may confer on a commission legislative, executive, and judicial powers” (California Constitution). This particular article is …show more content…
The problem lies in the fact that minimum wages are not living wages. Minimum wages are so low that there is no way a such a salary could provide a comfortable and effortless standard of living, thus falling short in accounting for the general welfare of employees. Many employed individuals are constantly struggling to support themselves and their families by working hard day in and day out, however no matter how hard they work, they continue to face financial troubles because their salaries are simply not enough to cover daily, monthly, and yearly expenses. Through an amendment to the article, minimum wage can be more explicitly defined along with the characteristics of general welfare. Furthermore, the rate of minimum wage can increase in a more logical, formulaic manner, which in the end makes it easier for the currently struggling individuals to earn a living