Dear Dr. Dollar:
It’s conventional wisdom that when wages go up, as in the case of a union campaign or minimum wage increase, prices go up. My guess is that if the owners could have raised the prices, they would have already. What is the right answer? —Jeffrey Trivers, New Orleans
Dear Dr. Dollar:
Why do companies compensate CEOs with such high salaries and bonuses? Do the CEOs themselves decide on their pay? Isn't it always said that no one is indispensable? —Gwen Nottingham, Laurel, Montana
Dear Dr. Dollar:
We’re hearing the economy is so good. We’re hearing that there’s plenty of jobs around and wages are up. But I’m not so convinced things are so great. The middle class is shrinking. Underemployment is up, and people don’t have health care. What’s the story? —Bruce Boccardy, Allston, Mass.