Final answer:
The minimum wage law primarily affects unskilled workers. This law sets a legal minimum for wages, which is particularly relevant for low-skilled labor where wages tend to align closely with the equilibrium wage for such work.
Step-by-step explanation:
The minimum wage law generally affects wages earned by unskilled workers. Minimum wage laws set a legal baseline for the lowest amount an employer can pay an hourly worker. This directly influences wages primarily for those in unskilled labor positions, where wages would otherwise be close to or at the equilibrium wage for low-skill labor. Economic factors, such as safety laws, automation, and the activities of labor unions, can also play roles in affecting wages.
Historically, the minimum wage in the U.S. has had a small impact on employment because it has often been set near the equilibrium wage for low-skill work. A significant increase in the minimum wage, which some states were considering raising to $15 per hour as of 2017, could, however, lead to a reduction in the quantity demanded of employment due to the increase in labor costs for employers. Wages can also be 'sticky downward' due to economic laws and minimum wage protections, making it illegal to reduce the wages of workers earning the minimum wage.