They were able to raise wages due to the increased market price of their goods. Government imposed minimum wages increase regardless of the market price of a company's goods or services.

Mandatory minimum wages are most detrimental to those who the proponents are claiming to help. Low skilled workers are less likely to be hired because they have to be paid at a rate above what the market value of their labor is. This is not the case right now because the market rate of low skill labor has increased beyond the federal and state minimums.

During periods of high labor availability and low job availability, minimum wages can establish a significant barrier to employment for low skilled workers.

During times like the present when labor supply is short, minimum wage mandates are not keeping up with the market and have very little effect on hiring.