ABSTRACT
The objectives of individual states may differ in principle, in how they set priorities in terms of freedom, equality, and justice, or in the details of their constitution such as the guarantee of employment, equal opportunities for women and men, and the right of association. Irrespective of differences at these levels, in order to achieve these objectives they will regulate the form of wages and taxation. The The state either provides the framework for the collective determination of wages by the representatives of employers and employees or regulates wages directly. Usually the wage package combines both, some components being determined by the state, others by the social partners. The nature of the basic rate can only be perceived with regard to a wage package of various and numerous components. The paradox of wages is that disputes are predominantly about the level of wages whereas the most meaningful results for the production and distribution of the social product are wage forms.
