The only thing that sets wages is supply and demand. Production differences between two people in the same job is minimal.
BS,
As the novice lowest paid new helper in the factory, who had never held a cutting torch in his hand ,or knew how to read a production blue print., I was promoted to lead structural fitter of the small crane division making over double the hourly wage of the helpers that had worked there for over three years.
Those helpers had no drive to better themselves and just took the pay.
Before I took the job I knew I needed to learn new skills to earn a living as a newly married man.
While working 60hrs a week as a net maker, I took a night course at the community college to learn basic welding.
Checked out books from the library to learn blueprint reading.
When I interviewed with the plant manager I told him I would take the cut in pay and accept the job.
On one condition.
He had to promise me that he would keep his eye on me and reward me by my abilities.
He did.
I worked under a great mentor/fitter as a helper and he was sick and did not show up for work.
The foreman told me I would be working on the grinding tables(really sucky job) on a 12hr shift.
I looked at him and said give me a helper and I would build the crane to specs and under time.
He did.
I met my promise and the next day my wage doubled and I was the lead fitter in the small crane dept.
Pissed all the other helpers off that did the same job for three years, but had no intuitive to improve themselves.
Production differences between two people that do the same job is rewarded, in the real world, by the employer.
Never took a job away from anyone, just did it better and was rewarded.
If you are a minimalist, you will always get the minimal.
Supply and demand is basic economics 101.
Demand, then supply seems to be the teamster mindset.
Your value as an employee is what you can produce, not what you demand.
I could be incorrect, but my life experience tells me otherwise.
