er union benefits, another group is being hurt by it. For example, if the pilots union decides to raise his ticket prices, he would benefit with the profit, but the consumer is hurt by this transaction. Even other pilots are hurt by this raising of wages, because when wages are raised, more must be charged for the tickets, and as a result less people will fly. This will mean that fewer pilots are required, and some can be let go. The government sets laws such as minimum wage, child labor laws, and affirmative action to help to protect the worker. Once again these laws definitely do help the worker, however some laws, such as the minimum wage law can give certain groups, especially minorities, an unfair disadvantage. Minimum wage laws stop workers that maybe aren't worth as much as minimum wage from getting a job where they could work up with on the job training or something. Instead many minority teenagers have great problems finding jobs. Some laws, like child labor and workmen's compensation simply embody practices that had already become commonplace. Other employers especially protect many employees. This is simply competition in the job market. If workers are mistreated or not paid enough, they can always get another job at another company. Finally, there are certain job situations in which the worker is really covered by no one. Workers who have only one possible employer, and workers who have no possible employer. A good example of a worker with one possible employer would be a professional sports team player. While they have a contract, the only leverage they have is to threaten not to play. This can work to great lengths, or it can work not at all, just depending on the situation. People who have no choice among employers are usually victims of government measures. For example, it's only beneficial for a welfare recipient to get a job if the wages he earns will make up for the money he will lose. However, it may not be possible...
