Does unregulated capitalism result in worker exploitation?
• In general, laws providing for minimum wage, overtime, and safe working conditions are considered necessary to protect workers from potential abuses. • In a totally unregulated capitalist system, the ability to compel workers to work extreme hours at minimal pay may result in higher profits and thus serve as a temptation for owners. • Though workers are free to leave employers at any time, the total number of employment options at any given time are limited by geography and training. • Laws providing for minimum standards ensure workers the concessions from owners that they need to survive, such as a basic wage, while still providing for profitable operation of businesses.
