Cost of Living, who to call??? (Miami, Orlando: to buy, college, vouchers)

[VICTORIAC]

I am wondering if anyone knows WHERE or WHO I can write to concerning the very low wages here in S. FLorida. Since moving here from NY in 2003 the cost of living has soared YET the salary wages have or are STILL so low. Its a disgrace for people who need for the wages to go higher so people will remain in S florida

[tallrick]

Nobody cares. I have been complaining for years and while people agree, it does not matter. Why not concentrate on cutting expenses, like joining the property tax fight?

[d40372]

Exactly what solution would you propose? A regional increase in the minimum wage? Free Publix vouchers?

The market currently tolerates low wages in spite of the high cost of living. If market forces were to demand it, then wages would rise. After all, this is a capitalist economy.

As long as there are people willing to stay here and work for crappy pay, employers will be more than willing to give them crappy pay.

[MiamiRob]

come to Orlando where I'm currently at! Crappy wages even worse than Miami with an oversatured workforce. Too many people chasing few jobs on top of a lack of amenities unless you consider theme parks to be culture.

[chisoxfan]

Originally Posted by d40372

The market currently tolerates low wages in spite of the high cost of living. If market forces were to demand it, then wages would rise. After all, this is a capitalist economy.

As long as there are people willing to stay here and work for crappy pay, employers will be more than willing to give them crappy pay.

I've got to agree with this. Ultimately, the market will determine whether wages here rise or not.

Several companies with which I'm acquainted have had trouble filling jobs because their top candidates determined that they couldn't afford to live here. If that happens often enough, either wages will rise or companies will leave because the cost of doing business here is too high.

[305guy]

OP- Are you from NYC or just the state of NY? Because it would be ironic if a person from NYC is complaining of cost of living vs. wages in Miami...i'm sure you really don't think is as simple as calling someone or knowing who you can write to. Like another poster said, it's just a result of capitalism. (not that there's anything wrong with that)

This is a nationwide problem and I guess it's just a case of "the man" sticking it to us. I have friends in Southern California who are suffocating since there wages aren't commensurate to the cost of living. College educated and young professionals but there are nowhere near being able to buy. All depends where you want to live.

[northernyankee]

Originally Posted by VICTORIAC

I am wondering if anyone knows WHERE or WHO I can write to concerning the very low wages here in S. FLorida. Since moving here from NY in 2003 the cost of living has soared YET the salary wages have or are STILL so low. Its a disgrace for people who need for the wages to go higher so people will remain in S florida

Unlike New York, Florida is a Right to Work State. This means workers are at a disadvantage. Unions here are a joke, just like the pay. If you want a better life (which means earn more money) for yourself and family get out of Florida alltogether. There are many other States that provide a better quality of life, for less money.

[Wild Style]

Originally Posted by VICTORIAC

I am wondering if anyone knows WHERE or WHO I can write to concerning the very low wages here in S. FLorida. Since moving here from NY in 2003 the cost of living has soared YET the salary wages have or are STILL so low. Its a disgrace for people who need for the wages to go higher so people will remain in S florida

^^ and this is exactly why I am trying to move back to the City as we speak. It is hard to survive down here.

[rogerbacon]

Originally Posted by VICTORIAC

I am wondering if anyone knows WHERE or WHO I can write to concerning the very low wages here in S. FLorida.

Um... your boss?

[chisoxfan]

Originally Posted by rogerbacon

Um... your boss?

Try it. Sure, your boss may tell you no, but you'll never know unless you try.

I have gotten several larger-than-normal raises over the years simply by (a) asking for one, and (b) backing up my request with hard facts (listing what I've accomplished over the past year, comparing my salary with others doing the same type of work and getting paid more, etc.) I've gotten shot down a few times, too, but like I said, it's worth making the effort if you really want more money.