protest today to raise minimum wage to $15.00 an hour??? (Philadelphia: how much, job market)

[FindingZen]

Personally, I think the $15/hour idea is just a starting point in negotiation tactics. Eventually, I feel that the minimum wage will rise to at least $10/hour.

I believe it is true that our tax dollars are supplementing healthcare and living expenses the preponderance of adults of various ages and education levels who may find themselves working at a place like CVS* where they may well be working full-time (or the possibly the equivalent when cobbling together two or more part-time jobs) yet be earning below the poverty level. With the onset of the ACA and the possibility of an increased minimum wage, companies like CVS* will begin to shoulder more of that responsibility. As someone on this thread suggested, it's not like most companies aren't already operating "lean and mean" as it is, so the likelihood of jobs being shed to make up for wage increases will be minimal IMO.

*I have no idea what CVS entry-level positions pay in the Philadelphia area; I'm just using them as an example tenuously related to the original post.

[jamesia]

Originally Posted by dab13

But it has been gradually increasing:

PA Minimum wage dating back to 1990:

1990 - 3.35
1991 - 3.80
1992 - 4.25
1997 - 4.75
1998 - 5.15
2007 - 6.25
2009 - 7.15
2010 - 7.25


15 just seems like a huge leap..... I'm thinking a dollar or two increase is more likely and honestly more reasonable.

You need to correct for inflation. $1 does not equal $1 throughout time.



Because the minimum wage does not keep pace with inflation the REAL value of the minimum wage is much lower than it should be. In 1990, $3.35 is the same as $5.74 in 2010. That's not a big change compared to 2010's 7.25.

We have to increase the minimum wage, and tie it to inflation. Otherwise, everyone's wages will decrease in value over time, while at the same time data shows we are all far more productive than the past.

Raising the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour would cut federal government outlays on food stamps by $4.6 billion per year

The fact of the matter is, many large employers don't pay a livable wage ... we taxpayers have to pick up the slack for deadbeat corporations. Raising the minimum wage could allow us to reduce spending on welfare programs and tax rebates. In my opinion, it's a less bureaucratic and more efficient. Plus, corporations will have to pay the full cost of their employees rather relying on the rest of us.

[FindingZen]

Let's make a deal!

If we can continue the (mostly) civil tone in this thread, the lack of direct relevance to Philadelphia will be overlooked. Being mindful of the Terms of Service will minimize infractions and maximize the life of this thread.

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by AgelessStranger

Wow. Really? What an elitist attitude you have.

And you're wrong to boot. If they jack the min wage up to $15, McDonald's would simply not higher as many people, or more likely raise prices to protect their profit margin which would in turn mean less people buying their product. Yea, like I want to pay double what I'm paying now for say a Happy Meal because it would give you a warm fuzzy feeling inside. As someone said earlier, that burger flipping job was not meant to be for a career.

You can't give someone an incentive to work by giving someone something for nothing in return. This culture of entitlements needs to end.

While I don't have a specific article to reference, I have read many that predict a minimal increase in price - perhaps no more (but probably far less) than a dollar on a typical value meal - should the minimum wage be raised to $10-11. If you've got a family of six, that could be a pain. Otherwise, most individuals could absorb that. It's possible that McDonald's could automate their system even more...but even then that could only go so far.

[criedman101]

Oh lord, now there's a big fight here. Can't we all just get along?

[FBJ]

15.00 an hour for someone with kids is still nothing.

[phlinak]

Originally Posted by dabottom

So do the people who make 9 to 13 dollars an hour get an increase too? Why should they get a $8 an increase while all the other people's pay stay the same?

First, you really need to read all of Philly's response.

Second, if you don't understand what he/she is saying or have questions, then ask. Philly seems to be pretty patient and willing to elaborate as necessary.

Third, the short answer to the boldfaced question is yes. A rising tide lifts all boats so given time the salary of those who make more will also rise, eventually.

[phlinak]

Originally Posted by dabottom

Fast foods jobs were never meant to be the type of job to provide a livable wage

Yeah, so you keep stating. However, it doesn't change the fact that many people rely on these jobs for their livelihood and the corporations that hire these workers make BILLIONS from the fruits of their labor. The only fair and ethical thing is to pay these employees a true living wage.

Stop the greed and fulfill the need.

[FBJ]

Originally Posted by phlinak

Yeah, so you keep stating. However, it doesn't change the fact that many people rely on these jobs for their livelihood and the corporations that hire these workers make BILLIONS from the fruits of their labor. The only fair and ethical thing is to pay these employees a true living wage.

Stop the greed and fulfill the need.

Not many jobs offer a wage that someone can live on in 2014 so its not just fast food and retail

[rotodome]

Originally Posted by dabottom

Not many jobs offer a wage that someone can live on in 2014 so its not just fast food and retail

So...it's a big problem? Sounds like something that someone might protest about...