If work is not fun, then the motivation is to get off work to have fun. When resources are scarce, the cost of those resources goes up, and up, and up. The motivation to work at low paying jobs goes down, and down, and down.
Cash is King.
A person who hires on at minimum wage is not necessarily motivated to WORK for minimum wage. He simply needs the job. Money is important, but it is NOT the only motivator. If work is not fun, then the motivation is to get off work to have fun. What a bonus.