How do you feel about minimum wage?

[myshtern]

First off I would like to note that this is the serious corner so chris, weston, and david I would appreciate it if you didnt ruin this thread.


I'm kind of a crossroad about the proposed minimum wage increase. I really don't know what to think about it. I'm sort of for it, sort of against it.

I didnt know that there was real study done until I read this:

"Separate studies from economists at Duke, Michigan State, and Boston University all conclude that minimum wage hikes attract teenagers from wealthy families into the workforce, displacing low-skilled adults in the process.

Economists at Cornell University and the University of Connecticut found that a 10% increase in the minimum wage results in an 8.5% increase in unemployment for young African Americans and adults lacking a high school diploma.

Yet despite all the studies showing the bad economic effects of a higher minimum wage, try telling that to wage earners who currently make $5.15 per hour, regardless of whether they're in Milwaukee or Omaha."
http://www.axcessnews.com/modules/wfsection/article.php?articleid=12674

[Weston]

A $6/hr minimum wage isn't attracting wealthy teenagers or displacing low-skilled adults. Get closer to $10/hr and maybe you'll have something to that, but that's still not exactly a lot of money. Either way, it's kind of pointless, since the cost just gets passed on to everyone, resulting in higher inflation.

[Zach]

i thought they raised it to $6.75?

[slowfocusguy]

$6.75 is about about $13k a year. Honestly what the hell can one do with that besides barely scraping buy. Yeah now a person can afford name brand cheerios instead or generic plastic bag cheerios, but truthfully it isnt a big change.

And no rich teenager isnt going to get a job making $6.75. No rich teenager needs to get a job cause they're freaking rich!

[velocity]

as long as those damn illegals dont benefit it from it more than real americans i think its a good idea. money is everything in the world and everything cost to damn much.

[civicjuju]

ummm..

i'm wasn't born in the us....i moved here when i was 12 i'm now 20....

i have 3 job...every week i do my 3 jobs....go to school...and take care of my son...

in us if you want money...there is lot of opportunity....

people just don't wanna work...

[-=[Juztin]=-]

I dont think it's really benefiting anyone. Either way the economy will eventually rebalance itself and prices wil increase/inflation will rise. Who cares whether wealthy teens work or not, *IMO it's a matter of can the lowest common denomination of people can live off of minimum wage or not.

[Civic-8442-]

oh god is gas going too go up again!lol...

[David]

Our minimum wage went up, and I don't see any less jobs.

[Civic-8442-]

tru that^^

[QShady]

it may sound good to be paided more, but if you really look at it, it makes no difference. wage goes up, everything else goes up including food cost. either way, the economy finds a way to even it out making it useless to increase wage. i just know that we better prepare to pay more for gas this year also.

[chris_venturini]

I will ruin this thread with my anger!

[Civic-8442-]

ARGHHHHHHH!!>>>>>>>>>>

[mtpktz.]

Your annual wage at $6.00/hr is $12,480, that is however, before taxes.

If you claim "0" on your taxes, you can expect anywhere from $9,000 to $9,400, depending on different variables.

Now, how could somebody expect one to live with <$10,000/yr?

Let's say that the person that's making their monster salary of $9,500 rents a 1 bedroom, 1bath apt. at say, $500/month (not likely, but possible). That alone is $6,000. That is two thirds of your money, gone, on rent alone.

Now, lets add in the cost of food, gas, cost of living supplies, etc.

Gas (figuring your car takes 85 octane and your vehicle gets 30-32MPG) :

$2.19 x 15 gallons every two weeks to make this an easy figure.

Every two weeks, on average, you will spend ~$32.50, $65.00 monthly, and ~$800 yearly. ( 450 miles bi-weekly )

That puts us somewhere in the $6,800 dollar range just on Gas and Rent, given the most lenient variables. ($500/mo. rent, $65/month in gas)

Now, lets figure in the cost of food. Let's say you spend $300/mo. on food (averaged in occasional fast food, and weekly trips to the local King Soopers for the necessities.)

$300 x 12 = $3,600.

$6,000/yr in rent, $800/yr (on avg.), and $3,600/yr (on avg) for cost of food and living necessities = $10,400

As you can see, with just the most cost efficient variables, and just Rent, food, Gas you are over your annual salary by $1,000. Not to mention the fact that this does not include many other important things such as Renters Insurance, Health Insurance, Car insurance, the list goes on and on.

Of course a lot of these things are taken care of with the simple solution of living at home with parents, however this was just pointing out how minimum wage does not really cover the cost of living.

[David]

it may sound good to be paided more, but if you really look at it, it makes no difference. wage goes up, everything else goes up including food cost. either way, the economy finds a way to even it out making it useless to increase wage. i just know that we better prepare to pay more for gas this year also.
Prices will go up, but people who are in the minimum wage range will still be able to buy and afford more things than they would have before, it only makes it harder for wealthier people. The whole point of these laws is to keep people in that middle class range.

[Civic-8442-]

Nice write up MTPKTZ! :)

[john]

First - it's about time that those bastard politicians raised it. Second - I think it's still too low - it's not a living wage. A minumum wage of $10/hr would seem more reasonable.

[slowfocusguy]

Tony Blair has introduced a UK minimum wage in 1999 @ £3.60 (US$6.85) and has since been raised to £5.05 (US$9.62) and it will be £5.35(US$10.19) in October. The UK economy has been doing great with inflation and interest rates at their lowest levels in 40 years, as the governing party likes to brag. a

[Mark_H]

The way I look at it, minimum wage has to be just that: A low wage in which companies can employ people and still be a profitable company. True, an average adult with a minimum wage job cannot live on his/her own. They either must live with family/parents or live in a 2 bedroom house with 10 roommates to make ends meet. So mature adults that want to make more $$ just simply need to get out and receive training(school) or just bust their butts to get a better paying job.
I have a grand total of 1 semester of college. But I have sincerely busted my ass to get where I'm at. I've had a job since I was 14 years old, I was making $4.25/hr at that time. Beyond that I've always moved up and made more $$ then "most" people with no education. It took hard work, determination, and a a desire to better myself.
So, overall I think the minimum wage needs to stay reasonable. I can't image the inflation on basic goods and services if minimum wage got anywhere near $10/hr. Then all those kids bagging your groceries and the people at gas Stations will be getting $10/hr and we'll all have to suffer.
Mark

[Terry]

The more money we make per hour will probably increase the amount of mecians entering here illeagaly.

[stu]

As someone who does NOT make minimum wage. I wouldn't look forward to any additional inflation. However, I don't think there is enough info posted in this thread to determine if inflation would be an issue. If things turned out like they apparently have in England (who's money is worth twice what ours is) then it wouldn't be so bad.

[Ferret]

A $6/hr minimum wage isn't attracting wealthy teenagers or displacing low-skilled adults. Get closer to $10/hr and maybe you'll have something to that, but that's still not exactly a lot of money. Either way, it's kind of pointless, since the cost just gets passed on to everyone, resulting in higher inflation.

I didn't read all this, but +1 to this.

Every time it goes up, it feels like everything gets more expensive.. and by more expensive, I mean even more expensive for us that make way more than minimum wage. When I was about 15, $550 got you an apartment on the Gulf of Mexico in a high rise apartment. Now, $550 gets you half of a one bedroom or a shitty apartment in the ghetto in St. Petersburg. It's all getting pretty ridiculous.

[mtpktz.]

The more money we make per hour will probably increase the amount of mecians entering here illeagaly.

95% of the illegals around the states will leave their current states if Arnold's bill passes.

California is a joke. Illegal immigrants are just that, ILLEGAL. Get the fuck out!

/threadjack.

[David]

The more money we make per hour will probably increase the amount of mecians entering here illeagaly.
Why not just burn our country to the ground so illegal immigrants can't profit from it?

[Ferret]

Why not just burn our country to the ground so illegal immigrants can't profit from it?

Can't we just bask in the feeling of having cheap available labor as well as a wonderful and exotic culture that's slowly taking over?

[mtpktz.]

Can't we just bask in the feeling of having cheap available labor as well as a wonderful and exotic culture that's slowly taking over?

How about, instead of just handing out welfare checks, we make those lazy shits get off their ass and do some of this labor that "only illegal immigrants and no american's will do".

I bet if the people who are on welfare were threatened to have those checks revoked, work would be getting done.

People don't really understand the illegal alien problem until you live in state such as CA (southern mostly), NM, AZ, TX, etc.

[chris_venturini]

this thread is why noone on HAI is a politician nor ever will be.

[Ferret]

this thread is why noone on HAI is a politician nor ever will be.

I'm always pretty serious on HAI

[chris_venturini]

im fighting ferret now

[Civic-8442-]

95% of the illegals around the states will leave their current states if Arnold's bill passes.

California is a joke. Illegal immigrants are just that, ILLEGAL. Get the fuck out!

/threadjack.

thats what i think exactly! its sooo bad in AZ i think!

[saabracr]

How about, instead of just handing out welfare checks, we make those lazy shits get off their ass and do some of this labor that "only illegal immigrants and no american's will do".

I bet if the people who are on welfare were threatened to have those checks revoked, work would be getting done.

People don't really understand the illegal alien problem until you live in state such as CA (southern mostly), NM, AZ, TX, etc.

Millions of working Americans are required to take urinalysis tests to keep their jobs. I bet if people on welfare were required to take UAs to receive their checks, the US could re-allocate a lot of tax money.

I'm no proponent of UAs. I think that people should be able to do what they wish with their bodies in their free time. But since UAs aren't going away, we may as well put them to better use.

[mtpktz.]

Millions of working Americans are required to take urinalysis tests to keep their jobs. I bet if people on welfare were required to take UAs to receive their checks, the US could re-allocate a lot of tax money.

I'm no proponent of UAs. I think that people should be able to do what they wish with their bodies in their free time. But since UAs aren't going away, we may as well put them to better use.

This is true.

Welfare is a joke. Why should we, as taxpayers, pay for somebody to sit at home all day, and collect free money because they feel they're entitled to it?

A lot in the system is wrong, and from an immigration stand point, I sure am happy to be out of Southern California.

[Skaterkid]

It's going to be a lot harder to start a restaurant in CO now.

[stu]

Pizza Patron is doing a promotion through February where they are accepting pecos as payment at all of their locations, including here.

[myshtern]

Alright, reading everyone's comments made me make up my mind.

Your annual wage at $6.00/hr is $12,480, that is however, before taxes.


If you're making minimum wage or $6 and you are only working 40 hours a week, you are a lazy piece of shit and detrimental to society.

A $6/hr minimum wage isn't attracting wealthy teenagers or displacing low-skilled adults. Get closer to $10/hr and maybe you'll have something to that, but that's still not exactly a lot of money. Either way, it's kind of pointless, since the cost just gets passed on to everyone, resulting in higher inflation.

When I was in high school, most who worked kids made right around $7/hr. My high school wasnt rich but it was typical suburbia. I remember in economics class we had a discussion of how much money it would take for the students to get a job and $7 was around the norm. I think the study is very accurate.

Tony Blair has introduced a UK minimum wage in 1999 @ £3.60 (US$6.85) and has since been raised to £5.05 (US$9.62) and it will be £5.35(US$10.19) in October. The UK economy has been doing great with inflation and interest rates at their lowest levels in 40 years, as the governing party likes to brag.
Take a look here:
http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/cost.html

McDonalds meal in England costs 4.5 pounds. Thats about $8.75. Maybe their inflation rates are low now but look at the cost of living and it explains everything about England. You also have to keep in mind that the English economy also has to follow EU standards which are extremely liberal.

[crxrocks]

Why should the government tell a business how much they should pay their employees? If I am a business owner and I want to pay $2 an hour for a job, I should be able to. I will just have to realize that you are going to get what you pay for.

Of course the inflation thing is also another problem.

I was listening to a local radio station and on the news at the top of the hour they were talking to a woman who worked at a thrift store in Ohio. She was saying that she makes minimum wage and she cannot afford to get her hair cut or afford a car. The thing is that the thrift store is more than likely non-profit and survives on donations. I am sure that the thrift store would love to pay her an additional $2 per hour BUT I would bet $$ that they cannot afford to.

[mtpktz.]

If you're making minimum wage or $6 and you are only working 40 hours a week, ou are a lazy piece of shit and detrimental to society.

It was a statistical figure, as in, $6/hr x 40 x 52 = $12,480.

Firstly, by no means, are you a lazy piece of shit and "detrimental to society" because you aren't able to find a job that pays a higher wage, thus, your statement is extremely ignorant. I would, however, like to know your mindset behind this, because not everybody is trained or has the training to earn, $10 - $15 an hour.

[myshtern]

It was a statistical figure, as in, $6/hr x 40 x 52 = $12,480.

Firstly, by no means, are you a lazy piece of shit and "detrimental to society" because you aren't able to find a job that pays a higher wage, thus, your statement is extremely ignorant. I would, however, like to know your mindset behind this, because not everybody is trained or has the training to earn, $10 - $15 an hour.
You dont understand. If you make $6/hr, you should be working more than 40 hours a week. Does that make sense?

[blue]

my only real thought is if you work 40 hours a week you should be able to live somewhat decently.. what ever the pay is doesnt matter; but like someone stated, you cant even have essincials(sp) making the current minimum wage which i think is rediculus

[crxrocks]

my only real thought is if you work 40 hours a week you should be able to live somewhat decently.. what ever the pay is doesnt matter; but like someone stated, you cant even have essincials(sp) making the current minimum wage which i think is rediculus

So do what it takes to better yourself, there are tons of opportunities out there. IMO the only people who are making minimum wage are either high school students or people who aren't motivated enough to better themselves.

Chris

[saabracr]

Why should the government tell a business how much they should pay their employees? If I am a business owner and I want to pay $2 an hour for a job, I should be able to.


+1

[myshtern]

my only real thought is if you work 40 hours a week you should be able to live somewhat decently.. what ever the pay is doesnt matter; but like someone stated, you cant even have essincials(sp) making the current minimum wage which i think is rediculus
Why should it be a law?
Where in the bill of rights does it say half of your time must be devoted towards relaxation and fun?

[Loud_Scott]

Why should it be a law?
Where in the bill of rights does it say half of your time must be devoted towards relaxation and fun?

I believe the words you're looking for are "....the pursuit of happiness"

Regardless of that tho; I don't really care one or the other. If minimum wage won't allow you to live the life you want..... get a better job! It's not like you're born into a job/class and you can't ever improve or get better. This is America not some sort of real life "Brave New World" bullshit....

[myshtern]

I believe the words you're looking for are "....the pursuit of happiness"

Thats from the repression of government which in this case would only be argued against this sort of regulation.

[mtpktz.]

You dont understand. If you make $6/hr, you should be working more than 40 hours a week. Does that make sense?

Tell me, what is the standard work week? Last time I checked it was 40 hours..

[crxrocks]

Tell me, what is the standard work week? Last time I checked it was 40 hours..

That is pretty much a minimum for full time employment, IMO. I know I usually work more than 40 hours a week. As do most successful people I know.

How about some work ethic? I would be willing to work just about as many hours as I am awake to make a decent living for my family and for what is important to me.

[mtpktz.]

That is pretty much a minimum for full time employment, IMO. I know I usually work more than 40 hours a week. As do most successful people I know.

How about some work ethic? I would be willing to work just about as many hours as I am awake to make a decent living for my family and for what is important to me.

No offense but this thread isn't about you it's about minimum wage, which also means a standard 40 hour work week.

Sure, you could be working 80 hours a week, but this isn't about how much money you could make with "x" amount of hours, it's about minimum wage, which, IIRC, is $5.15 as it stands now. Also, the standard work week is 40 hours, besides the fact that not every job allows overtime.

[crxrocks]

No offense but this thread isn't about you it's about minimum wage, which also means a standard 40 hour work week.

Sure, you could be working 80 hours a week, but this isn't about how much money you could make with "x" amount of hours, it's about minimum wage, which, IIRC, is $5.15 as it stands now. Also, the standard work week is 40 hours, besides the fact that not every job allows overtime.

You're right, this post isn't about me, but it is about people who make minimum wage trying to make a go in the US. Just because what you make in 40 hours doesn't pay your bills doesn't mean you can sit back and complain at the government because you don't get paid enough. This is ultimately about personal responsibliity.

Work 2 or 3 jobs if you can't get 40+ hours a week - what a lazy bunch of SOBs the US has become.

[myshtern]

No offense but this thread isn't about you it's about minimum wage, which also means a standard 40 hour work week.

Sure, you could be working 80 hours a week, but this isn't about how much money you could make with "x" amount of hours, it's about minimum wage, which, IIRC, is $5.15 as it stands now. Also, the standard work week is 40 hours, besides the fact that not every job allows overtime.

What the hell are you talking about?

The whole point you were making is that if you're making $6, you can't live off $12k per year. What we're trying to explain to you is that if you work a little bit harder and get off your ass, you can make $24k per year with $6 hour.

Anyone with a real job works more than 8 hours a day if they have any goals.

[mtpktz.]

What the hell are you talking about?

The whole point you were making is that if you're making $6, you can't live off $12k per year. What we're trying to explain to you is that if you work a little bit harder and get off your ass, you can make $24k per year with $6 hour.

Anyone with a real job works more than 8 hours a day if they have any goals.

The point of this thread is to show how minimum wage is unreasonable, based on a 40 hour work week, not an 80 hour work week.

It is unreasonable to tell somebody to work 16 hour days, everyday, just to make a living, and that's what this thread is about, or at least what I was trying to get at.

EDIT - There is a reason for 40 hours being the standard work week, and when minimum wage is set, I'm sure State/Government don't plan on the person have 2-3 Jobs full time.

My statements are based on 40 hour work weeks, not 80, or 120 for that matter.

[mtpktz.]

Anyone with a real job works more than 8 hours a day if they have any goals.

I agree, but that's not what this thread is about, it's about the standard minimum wage and how it is unreasonable and not feasible to make a living off of it.

Now, if you wanted to talk about working 90-100 hour weeks, well, you very well could live off $6/hr.

[myshtern]

I agree, but that's not what this thread is about, it's about the standard minimum wage and how it is unreasonable and not feasible to make a living off of it.

Now, if you wanted to talk about working 90-100 hour weeks, well, you very well could live off $6/hr.
You just contradicted yourself. It's not reasonable or feasible to make a living at minimum wage but if you work a lot it is feasible. So what you're saying is, if you have absolutely no skills then you have to work more hours than people who have skills? Gee, thats almost logical :rolleyes:

[crxrocks]

It is unreasonable to tell somebody to work 16 hour days, everyday, just to make a living, and that's what this thread is about, or at least what I was trying to get at.

Oh really? Why is that? Man, I would hate for someone to really have to work to make ends meet. :cry:

I have an idea. Why don't we raise the minimum wage to $15 a hour. Then maybe people will only have to work a 30 hour week.... afterall that is much more reasonable than 40 hours.

Chris

[myshtern]

Oh really? Why is that? Man, I would hate for someone to really have to work to make ends meet. :cry:

I have an idea. Why don't we raise the minimum wage to $15 a hour. Then maybe people will only have to work a 30 hour week.... afterall that is much more reasonable than 40 hours.

Chris

I second that

[blue]

Oh really? Why is that? Man, I would hate for someone to really have to work to make ends meet. :cry:

I have an idea. Why don't we raise the minimum wage to $15 a hour. Then maybe people will only have to work a 30 hour week.... afterall that is much more reasonable than 40 hours.

Chris

im down for that.. but seriously i see what you guys are saying, but like others have stated we are talking about minimum wage and a 40 hour work week... i didnt deside that was the standard neither did you, thats great that other countries are doing alot better with a longer harder work week, but that is american theres no such thing as give and take its just take take take.
and i just dont see any way that america as a whole will ever change

[mtpktz.]

[QUOTE=myshtern;666384]You just contradicted yourself. It's not reasonable or feasible to make a living at minimum wage but if you work a lot it is feasible. So what you're saying is, if you have absolutely no skills then you have to work more hours than people who have skills? Gee, thats almost logical :rolleyes:[/QUOTE

Not quite, working more hours, obviously means more money, that's common sense.

The fact still remains, the standard work week is 40 hours a week, it is what it is.

[crxrocks]

mtpktz. You are part of the reason why this country is going downhill, everyone has become a bunch of whiny 5 year olds. 40 hours really isn't the standard that you think it is. My parents, their parents and the founders of this nation put in much more than 40 hours a week for the US to become what it is today.

[Loud_Scott]

mtpktz. You are part of the reason why this country is going downhill, everyone has become a bunch of whiny 5 year olds. 40 hours really isn't the standard that you think it is. My parents, their parents and the founders of this nation put in much more than 40 hours a week for the US to become what it is today.

crxrocks, you're stoned. 40 hours IS a standard work week. The *only* people I know who work more than 40 hours are people who have more than 1 job or people who are VP's or Directors of their departments. And even then it's only because they are too stupid/lazy/whatever to get their work done in the alotted 40 hours.

In fact, I hardly know anyone that actually works a full 40 hours a week anymore. I don't. I don't need to. I get all my shit done in about 35. If it's a ridiculously busy week maybe 38.

How old are you? I'ld guess that we're 'about' the same generation (I'm 26) -- My parents work 40 hours a week. My grandparents worked 40 hours a week. The "founders of this nation" didn't work 40 hours a week because they didnt have "jobs" like we do today. They farmed, and ranched, and shoed horses. Even today farmers work more than 40 hours a week -- it's a difference in the type of job, not the lazyness of Americans.

We're also not trying to 'build a country from the ground up'... it's sorta already here and established.

The job market changes just like the rest of the world. I'm already making as much as my parents make and I'm half their age. As people become more skilled and more specialized the amount of time needed to do 'actual' work is going to go down. If I didn't spend half my time fixing the fuckups from my co-workers I could do my job in about 20 hours and have a 2 day work week and 5 days off.

[crxrocks]

You are missing the point. The point is that doing what you have to do to make ends meet is the responsibility of each individual. You (and maybe the majority of the US) are able to pay their bills and do ok working 40 hours a week. For those who are making minimum wage and their expenses are larger than their pay, it is THEIR RESPONSIBILITY to change that. This could be find a job which pays more or it could be that they need to work more than 40 hours a week. There is no law, social or otherwise, that a person should have a comfortable lifestyle with only working 40 hours.

Chris

[Loud_Scott]

You are missing the point. The point is that doing what you have to do to make ends meet is the responsibility of each individual. You (and maybe the majority of the US) are able to pay their bills and do ok working 40 hours a week. For those who are making minimum wage and their expenses are larger than their pay, it is THEIR RESPONSIBILITY to change that. This could be find a job which pays more or it could be that they need to work more than 40 hours a week. There is no law, social or otherwise, that a person should have a comfortable lifestyle with only working 40 hours.

Chris

I'm not missing the point... look at post #43 --

I believe the words you're looking for are "....the pursuit of happiness"

Regardless of that tho; I don't really care one or the other. If minimum wage won't allow you to live the life you want..... get a better job! It's not like you're born into a job/class and you can't ever improve or get better. This is America not some sort of real life "Brave New World" bullshit....


I'm pointing out that your argument that a 40 hour work week is not the standard is ludicrous. And telling someone they're the reason America is going down the shitter isn't helping either.

[David]

You shouldn't have to work overtime just to just make ends meat, and any decent job that requires you to work overtime sure as hell isn't going to be paying $5.15 an hour.

[myshtern]

crxrocks, you're stoned. 40 hours IS a standard work week. The *only* people I know who work more than 40 hours are people who have more than 1 job or people who are VP's or Directors of their departments. And even then it's only because they are too stupid/lazy/whatever to get their work done in the alotted 40 hours.

In fact, I hardly know anyone that actually works a full 40 hours a week anymore. I don't. I don't need to. I get all my shit done in about 35. If it's a ridiculously busy week maybe 38.

How old are you? I'ld guess that we're 'about' the same generation (I'm 26) -- My parents work 40 hours a week. My grandparents worked 40 hours a week. The "founders of this nation" didn't work 40 hours a week because they didnt have "jobs" like we do today. They farmed, and ranched, and shoed horses. Even today farmers work more than 40 hours a week -- it's a difference in the type of job, not the lazyness of Americans.

We're also not trying to 'build a country from the ground up'... it's sorta already here and established.

The job market changes just like the rest of the world. I'm already making as much as my parents make and I'm half their age. As people become more skilled and more specialized the amount of time needed to do 'actual' work is going to go down. If I didn't spend half my time fixing the fuckups from my co-workers I could do my job in about 20 hours and have a 2 day work week and 5 days off.

If you're working 35 hours a week I'm sure you're productive but it sounds like you've been doing the same job for pretty long. By just getting the job done, are you going to get much farther? Probably not

If you're making $6/hr and working 40 hours a week are you going to get much farther in life? Probably not.

The point is who is the government to tell you what to pay your slackers? If it's a wage which you could not live off at all then one could argue that you are being exploited by your employer. But if its a wage that makes you work longer than 40 hours a week then you need to work more than 40 hours a week. Can't put food on the table and want the tax payers to do it, fuck off.

[David]

what if they can't work overtime? (see: single parents with children)

[stu]

I was just looking at my paycheck online while reading this thread. Between my car payment, taxes, health benefits, 401k (ROTH) and the $50 I have put into a savings account each pay period. I lose approx 47% of my check before I even see it. :(

[myshtern]

what if they can't work overtime? (see: single parents with children)
Single parents with children are what, 2% of the recipients of minimum wage?
They dont pay taxes.

I'd be willing to just have their minimum wage higher but then they would never get a job.

[mtpktz.]

mtpktz. You are part of the reason why this country is going downhill, everyone has become a bunch of whiny 5 year olds. 40 hours really isn't the standard that you think it is. My parents, their parents and the founders of this nation put in much more than 40 hours a week for the US to become what it is today.

Right....

You shouldn't have to work overtime just to just make ends meat, and any decent job that requires you to work overtime sure as hell isn't going to be paying $5.15 an hour.

Exactly.

[Loud_Scott]

If you're working 35 hours a week I'm sure you're productive but it sounds like you've been doing the same job for pretty long. By just getting the job done, are you going to get much farther? Probably not

If you're making $6/hr and working 40 hours a week are you going to get much farther in life? Probably not.

The point is who is the government to tell you what to pay your slackers? If it's a wage which you could not live off at all then one could argue that you are being exploited by your employer. But if its a wage that makes you work longer than 40 hours a week then you need to work more than 40 hours a week. Can't put food on the table and want the tax payers to do it, fuck off.


Actually I'm in the process of being promoted.

Why wouldn't someone "go much farther" by "getting the job done"?? That is, in fact, what their employer pays them to do.... "get the job done."

I don't understand when everyone making minimum wage became a "slacker." Because they didn't goto college or learn some unique skill? I'ld be willing to bet that a lot of people earning minimum wage work a lot harder than quite a few of us on here (read: posting on a forum all day)

[crxrocks]

It is just so easy to find a job that makes more than minimum wage or even most places that start out at the minimum will give a raise that anyone who makes minimum wage for a prolonged period really must be to blame, IMO.


The ultimate point is that regardless of what the minimum wage is you will have people who are unable to make ends meet working the "standard" 40 hours a week and will have to take the responsibility to do something about that situation.

In reality, if minimum wage is such a great idea why don't we just raise the minimum wage to $20 an hour?

[slowfocusguy]

Umm..... I think you all are missing the point of the minimum wage.

The minimum wage is not to help the poor folks. The minimum wage is needed to keep the rich from being too rich.

[crxrocks]

The minimum wage is not to help the poor folks. The minimum wage is needed to keep the rich from being too rich.

Uh, are you being serious?

[mtpktz.]

Umm..... I think you all are missing the point of the minimum wage.

The minimum wage is not to help the poor folks. The minimum wage is needed to keep the rich from being too rich.

:confused:

d'oh.