This is probably due to companies paying out lower bonuses and lower than estimated wage increases.

Often, it boomerangs. If they get the stars saying they need to leave, (the companies) have to give them bonuses to make them stay.

I think the companies are indicating a willingness to give strong wage increases. If they can cut five percent of the work force through attrition, they can give 4 percent wage gains annually and come out ahead.

The immediate impact of the minimum-wage increase will probably be negligible because we are already paying those rates. But there probably will be some backlash further on down the road.

We've had some job growth, but it's in lower-paying sectors.

Worrying is like paying on a debt that may never come due.