Los Angeles raises minimum wage to $15 per hour

[Aldous9]

Originally Posted by KazChasey

You post some lame chart as if it's supposed to prove some point. Look at the countries on that list. They all suck compared to the United States.

There's a reason the U.S. is the greatest nation on earth. It became the greatest because it gave people freedom and the responsibilities that come with that freedom. Can't make a living for yourself? Too bad, so sad. Bring something of worth to the table or get lost. That's what made us great. You push for the best and you reward the best.

Now, castrated hipster momma's boys want everything given to them because mommy and daddy made them believe they're special little snowflakes who deserve the world just for having a pulse. Bunch of Occupy losers who listened to romanticized BS about what socialism is from their lib studies college professor and now want to destroy the U.S. with it.

You have a very strange concept of America. I would bet you don't know a whole lot about U.S history, the history of the labor movement, or the history of minimum wage laws etc. Every one of your posts talks about an America that has never existed, an America that you seem to have made up or have possibly been duped into thinking exists(probably by a right-wing authority figure. i.e Dad, crazy Uncle, Bill O'reilly)

[PCALMike]

Originally Posted by jm1982

I do agree.
Regarding using technology to be more efficient/productive in the service industry, the reality is that it is the big chains that will best be able to utilize or develop their own technologies and benefit from the cost savings.

Small mom and pop businesses will be hurt, they won't be able to implement the same type of technology and don't have the same buying power as big chains.

Also most small businesses just have one location ,not 100 or 1000 . For a mom and pop with one shop, if that business closes down , there goes their entire income. A chain could close a bunch of stores and not suffer much.

In terms of individuals, most have one income source. Their job or their business income. But with wealthy people or millionaires they will have multiple sources of income. I think more people are starting realize,especially after the "Great Recession" that their jobs aren't truly safe and secure. Also even with full time jobs you are seeing that people need to do something on the side in order to make more money.

The goal of course should be to have enough assets/networth/money in order to generate passive or mostly income off of it.

This can be from stock dividends, real estate income, lending money or owning a mostly absentee run type business.

I think with the min wage hike we will likely see chains/corporate places becoming more prevalent than now.
They will have the experience/knowledge/money to build the most efficient establishments versus mom and pop places.
Ironically this is what many of the pro $15 people/protesters probably don't want.
On the other hand I think that some of the big chains are pretty tuned in to what customers want.
Chipotle is a large and growing chain that seems to get this right. McDonald's , not as much these days.

Chipotle for example though is different from McDonald's in that they don't franchise. If you have enough money you can buy your own McDonald's...but not Chipotle
Can I start a franchise or be involved in owning a restaurant in any way?
From their site:
"Nope. We’re not into franchising. But if you have a recommendation for a location, hit up the Development section of the site. You should also note that we are a publicly traded company on the NYSE. So, you can get a piece of the action by investing in CMG."

This means this opportunity , the opportunity of owning a Chipotle is not even available to someone , say someone that worked somewhere for years and saved their money and wanted to own their own business.

Interestingly some years back McDonald's owned a controlling stake in Chipotle...they sold their shares a while back though.
Chipotle Fan.com - Is Chipotle owned by Mcdonald's?

Their lack of franchising could also be a key part of their success in that they are able to better control quality and management of their stores.

Starbucks is the same way...the only person that has a deal to own starbucks stores is Magic Johnson.

Interestingly there was an independent fast food chinese place by my house that closed and now I see it will open as a Panda Express. I was actually hoping for a Starbucks or something, but no such luck!

On the other hand, all developed countries face the challenge of globalization and technology. But have they all seen huge wealth and income disparities? Countries like Germany and Scandinavian countries for example have not seen a sharp rise in inequality like in the US. These countries have politicians that are not so beholden to the billionaire class and instead respond more to the wishes and demands of their people.

I think we have to come to terms with the fact that the erosion of the middle class and skyrocketing wealth and income inequality is a result of man made decisions. Vicious attacks on union organizing by the wealthy and powerful is just one example, so-called trade agreements written by big money interests with no worker protection is another. The for-profit health care system in America where drug companies, health insurance companies and medical equipment manufacturers rip off the average American by the billions every year is yet another reason for the erosion of the middle class.

Bernie Sanders, the Democratic presidential hopeful has been the most vocal critic of these powerful, vested interests that do not care at all about America and the American worker. Spending tax money on endless wars, a bloated military and giving huge tax breaks to the billionaire class is not what America should be about and it increases inequality and injustice. This money should be invested in America for the good of the American people. America should join the rest of the successful developed world and provide single payer, universal health care for all of its citizens, and public higher education should be tuition free. Bernie Sanders is IMO the only presidential candidate that addresses these issues head-on, and has a 40 year track record of backing it up.

[brrabbit]

I used to know a few store owners who paid their employees in cash. And they did not care what was the minimal wage, they paid what was going wage for services like those... From $5 to $8 per hour. Too bad, the Middleman did not get his share.

[majoun]

A big casualty of the higher minimum wage: American Apparel

(granted the company is highly, highly troubled already, but the higher minimum wage will be the last straw in forcing them to leave)

American Apparel hangs on to its made-in-America model — by a thread - LA Times

[ktorch]

People make more money, spend more money, more products are sold, jobs created, employees are happier, healthier and do a better job. I've been a business owner for many years and my people always made more than they would anywhere else in the city for like work. Low wages make unhappy slaves, and that will mean more problems than paying them a little more.

[BennyPhoenix]

Originally Posted by brrabbit

I used to know a few store owners who paid their employees in cash. And they did not care what was the minimal wage, they paid what was going wage for services like those... From $5 to $8 per hour. Too bad, the Middleman did not get his share.

I know plenty that still do. Pay 8 to 10 per hour. No taxes taken out, both sides keep more money.