Minimum Wage for youngsters (employment, job, companies, interest)

[Rita Mordio]

You know, a friend of mine who is a manager at an non-named fast food job has told me some interesting news.

They're targeting students to hire. They, along with several other companies, have decided to pull the biggest minimum wage stunt in my short life.

There's a provision in the FLSA.. Well, read this:

U.S. Department of Labor

Basically, because minimum wage is going to spike in July to $6.55/hr - companies have decided to "cheat."

Anybody else think this is wrong?

[maf763]

It's not cheating if it's legal. Young workers don't have a track record yet, so a 90-day period of lesser pay to build experience seems fair enough. I'd agree that going to age 20 is a little high, but a worker can also refuse to take the job if the lower wage isn't enough and they have a better offer.

[Rita Mordio]

Originally Posted by maf763

It's not cheating if it's legal. Young workers don't have a track record yet, so a 90-day period of lesser pay to build experience seems fair enough. I'd agree that going to age 20 is a little high, but a worker can also refuse to take the job if the lower wage isn't enough and they have a better offer.

Some of the programs do not have a 90-day limit. They're indefinite - workers with disabilities, full-time students (including college) - and These programs are not limited to the employment of young workers.

And the reason I brought this up, is because in July, the federal minimum wage will be $6.55 - so many companies that like to pay the least amount are going to be going into these programs.

And yes, it's true that people can refuse a job if they don't like the pay - but I don't think that telling the youth of society, the students, and those with disabilities that they're not even good enough for minimum wage is not exactly a good message.