Today's News and Commentary – May 5

Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley has signed a bill that will increase the state’s minimum wage in steps over several years from $7.25 to $10.10, reports The Washington Post. “It is not fair, it is not right, it is not just that people should play by the rules, work 16-hour days and still be raising their children in poverty — not in our state,” O’Malley said.

The Wall Street Journal reports that the Municipal Labor Committee, an umbrella group of New York City unions, has voted to support a proposal championed by Mayor Bill de Blasio expected to generate $3.4 billion in health care savings. Under the plan, unions would work from a menu of health-care options to achieve a savings target. If the city and a union fail to agree to a savings plan, the parties would agree to arbitration to reach an agreement.

A massive strike by 80,000 South African platinum miners that has lasted three months is set to continue after workers rejected a new wage offer by employers, reports the Wall Street Journal.

The Washington Post reports that Haiti has increased its minimum wage for 29,000 garment workers. The 25-percent raise means garment workers will now earn the equivalent of $5.68 per workday.

The Guardian reports on plans by shareholder activists to pressure the McDonald’s board to cut the wages of CEO Donald Thompson in an effort to reduce the massive wage gap between his wages and the average McDonald’s employee. Protests are planned for the annual shareholder meeting, to be held on May 22.