How about paying what the market will bear? Government interference in the market (i.e. paying wages for no work) is creating a worker shortage. Remove this deformation and the market will set wages appropriately. Unskilled labor will be paid according to their limitations until they acquire skills, just as more highly skilled workers merit higher pay.
Yep, you and others with similar posts, nail it. I saw a sign in Walmart the other day, hiring new employees starting at $16.50 an hour. Just four years ago my wife was paid less than that as a dental assistant. Hell, I am close to retire and if I get really bored after I do, for $16.50 an hour I might go stock shelves three days a week.