Mexico opens debate over low minimum wage

The issue of Mexico's low national minimum wage is gaining national attention after the government of Mexico City suggested it could act to raise the salary on a local level.

The debate at a city-sponsored forum this week highlights the near-universal dissatisfaction with the country's minimum wage of just over 67 pesos per day, or about $5.

While Mexico's Constitution says the minimum should be sufficient to provide for the basic needs of a worker and his or her family, a single person could easily spend a day's minimum salary on one meal at . . .