Should the minimum wage be lower?

Yes, lowering the standard of living is always a great idea! /sarcasm

No. Hell no. That wouldn't solve anything but create more need for social programs.....which increases taxes.LJS9502_basic

What it would probably do is to swell the US prison population still further.

US prisoners' wages can be as low as $0.12 per hour (Source), so it would be huge "win win" scenario for corporations and states alike.

Minimum wage is a moronic policy promoted by people without even the slightest understanding of economics (liberals). At best it does nothing, and at worst it leads to unemployment, price hikes, and inflation.

Laihendi

[QUOTE="Laihendi"]

Minimum wage is a moronic policy promoted by people without even the slightest understanding of economics (liberals). At best it does nothing, and at worst it leads to unemployment, price hikes, and inflation.

Barbariser

[QUOTE="Barbariser"][QUOTE="Laihendi"]

Minimum wage is a moronic policy promoted by people without even the slightest understanding of economics (liberals). At best it does nothing, and at worst it leads to unemployment, price hikes, and inflation.

Laihendi

I wonder what Vuurk would think about this.

[QUOTE="Barbariser"][QUOTE="Laihendi"]

Minimum wage is a moronic policy promoted by people without even the slightest understanding of economics (liberals). At best it does nothing, and at worst it leads to unemployment, price hikes, and inflation.

Laihendi

[QUOTE="Exiled_Badger"]It should be lowered because now it is high enough for someone to work an entry-level, low end job, and still get by pretty well, making nearly $250 bucks/week. And at places such as McDonald's, where they seem to not have a care in the world whether they get someone's order correct or not, it is ridiculous. I think they should have higher standards if they want higher "minimum" wage. And don't get me started on waiters/waitresses. Most make less than minimum wage! It is not fair at all.cain006

[QUOTE="cain006"]

[QUOTE="Exiled_Badger"]It should be lowered because now it is high enough for someone to work an entry-level, low end job, and still get by pretty well, making nearly $250 bucks/week. And at places such as McDonald's, where they seem to not have a care in the world whether they get someone's order correct or not, it is ridiculous. I think they should have higher standards if they want higher "minimum" wage. And don't get me started on waiters/waitresses. Most make less than minimum wage! It is not fair at all.Exiled_Badger

I sure think so.  We have many people complaining about the minimum wage being too low to live on and/or support a family.  This is bs... Why the hell do you have a family if you make minimum wage?

It could very well be that the economy went to sh!t due to actions of other people and that they lost their jobs and minimum wage is the only option available to them. Furthermore making minimum wage should not proclude you fromfinding happiness in this world in the form of a family

 Furthermore, jobs that pay minimum wage are entry level and do not deserve any substantial compensation.  Should someone who cleans toilets really make a good living?

Perhaps not, but are you really advocating that we make it harder on people? How would that help people get into college when costs for college have risen substantially over the last few years? Sure they might wish they could get ahead, but you would be making the prospect of doing so more bleak than ever before.

Lowering the minimum wage will help people aspire to be better.   The minimum wage allows for lazy people to cruise... if we lower it they will either become more useful to the society or die... it is a win win situation.  

as I previously stated it's really really not. I'll give another reason why it's not though in case it's not enough. Custumor satisfaction. If you aren't paying people enough to give a crap about their job the customer should not be able to expect satisfactory service. Get somethingwrong on your customers order? Who gives a sh!t, it's not like the amount they are paying you even covers the cost of gas, at least your customer can afford to go through the drive through.

BenedictArnold7

Ultimately it doesn't make sense for anyone to lower the cost of minimum wage. Sure the business owners would benefit in the short term, but suffer in the long term due to employee's just not caring about the work they do.

Unfortunately what you have done is make a logical argument that is incredibly uninformed about the type of society we live in.

[QUOTE="Ace6301"]Yeah! F*ck being able to survive off what you earn for 80 hours a week. Laihendi

I would bring slavery back. Do you know how expensive it would be to build a pyramid these days?

If we don't have enough jobs to go around now how will making minimum wage salaries lower help the economy? Adults working minimum wage jobs arnt doing so because they want to. Not everyone can be a CEO or engineer. someone has to do all those unskilled jobs that most americans dont want to. Diablo-B

[QUOTE="WhiteKnight77"]

With what janitors have to put up with and the hazards they face, they get what they deserve. People are dirty really and having to go in and clean up after them at restaraunts, public buildings or even stores is not a job many would want to do if they could help it, so I have no problem with janitors making at least minimum wage. Now someone at McDonald's is a different story.

cain006

I know you worked at Mickey Ds. Weren't the bathrooms nasty? Just reinforces my point that people lack proper home training. 

Yes, but we need to do it to engage in population control. We need to exterminate poor people and starve them to death because they are inferior and irrational. BossPerson

wut?

[QUOTE="awptical"][QUOTE="megagene"]If everyone aspired to be "better", and no one worked minimum wage jobs, who exactly would clean the toilets and flip your burgers and stock the grocery shelves? Stesilaus

Child labor is a hallmark of Third World countries.

:|

I don't see anything in that post that indicates anyone under 16 working those jobs. Do you? 

[QUOTE="BossPerson"]Yes, but we need to do it to engage in population control. We need to exterminate poor people and starve them to death because they are inferior and irrational. lostrib

wut?

[QUOTE="frannkzappa"]

[QUOTE="Stesilaus"]

Child labor is a hallmark of Third World countries.

:|

 

Stesilaus

that's not child labour... at all.

"Teen" means anything between 13 and 19, while a person under 18 is generally considered a "child".

How could it not constitute child labor to put a 13-year-old to work cleaning toilets?

I think you should read the UN Convention on the Rights of a child... Its only harmful if it is forced, damaging, excessive, etc. AND REPLACES going to school (that is, you work instead of attend schooling)... Working a little as a teenager is nothing but beneficial... It builds work ethic, gives money, etc... All especially true if from a low-income family...

[QUOTE="lostrib"]

[QUOTE="BossPerson"]Yes, but we need to do it to engage in population control. We need to exterminate poor people and starve them to death because they are inferior and irrational. BossPerson

wut?

going full lai?

You can aspire to be better all you like in a recession buddy. Unless you have a way of making people feel like they owe you something you aren't going anywhere.

Minimum should be higher. You're only as good as your lowest common denominator.

[QUOTE="BossPerson"][QUOTE="lostrib"]

wut?

lostrib

going full lai?

[QUOTE="Exiled_Badger"]It should be lowered because now it is high enough for someone to work an entry-level, low end job, and still get by pretty well, making nearly $250 bucks/week. And at places such as McDonald's, where they seem to not have a care in the world whether they get someone's order correct or not, it is ridiculous. I think they should have higher standards if they want higher "minimum" wage. And don't get me started on waiters/waitresses. Most make less than minimum wage! It is not fair at all.Murderstyle75

I can remember going to McDonald's and getting a Quarter Pounder with Cheese, an order of large fries, a cherry pie and a large vanilla milkshake for under $2. I do not ever recall an order being wrong or complaints of wrong orders and those workers were paid a hell of a lot less than they are now. They were still young adults and school aged young adults working the counter as well as older 20somethings. 

Back then, people cared about what they did, nowadays, people just do not care anymore. It isn't about pay, it's about treating others just like you want to be treated, especially if you are in the service industry, which fast food is. Today's work ethic is almost nonexistant. I have seen it everywhere. People do just enough to make bank, they do not want to go above and beyond to show that they are worth more to the company. This does not apply all people, but the younger one is, the more it is true. Hell, look at this forum and how people keep saying we have to help everyone. There is the air that no one needs to take responsibility for their own actions and life, they want others to give them what they need instead of working for it. 

[QUOTE="Murderstyle75"][QUOTE="Exiled_Badger"]It should be lowered because now it is high enough for someone to work an entry-level, low end job, and still get by pretty well, making nearly $250 bucks/week. And at places such as McDonald's, where they seem to not have a care in the world whether they get someone's order correct or not, it is ridiculous. I think they should have higher standards if they want higher "minimum" wage. And don't get me started on waiters/waitresses. Most make less than minimum wage! It is not fair at all.WhiteKnight77

I can remember going to McDonald's and getting a Quarter Pounder with Cheese, an order of large fries, a cherry pie and a large vanilla milkshake for under $2. I do not ever recall an order being wrong or complaints of wrong orders and those workers were paid a hell of a lot less than they are now. They were still young adults and school aged young adults working the counter as well as older 20somethings. 

Back then, people cared about what they did, nowadays, people just do not care anymore. It isn't about pay, it's about treating others just like you want to be treated, especially if you are in the service industry, which fast food is. Today's work ethic is almost nonexistant. I have seen it everywhere. People do just enough to make bank, they do not want to go above and beyond to show that they are worth more to the company. This does not apply all people, but the younger one is, the more it is true. Hell, look at this forum and how people keep saying we have to help everyone. There is the air that no one needs to take responsibility for their own actions and life, they want others to give them what they need instead of working for it. 

[QUOTE="BenedictArnold7"]

I sure think so.  We have many people complaining about the minimum wage being too low to live on and/or support a family.  This is bs... Why the hell do you have a family if you make minimum wage?  Furthermore, jobs that pay minimum wage are entry level and do not deserve any substantial compensation.  Should someone who cleans toilets really make a good living?  Lowering the minimum wage will help people aspire to be better.   The minimum wage allows for lazy people to cruise... if we lower it they will either become more useful to the society or die... it is a win win situation.  

l34052

Your attitude stinks and i hope that one day you'll be in a position where you will appreciate the minimum wage you would take away from hard working people that alot of the time cant get a better paying job because of the economic climate of things so take lower paid jobs rather than live off welfare.

One day you will prob have kids and i hope you find out how difficult it can be for some folk in the world through no fault of their own.

Elitist pricks like yourself make me mad:evil::evil:

He is right. If you start a family while working a minimum wage job is not one of the brightest things one can do, especially where there are ways to stop that from happening via the pill or other forms of female birth control as well as condoms for men. There is no need to have an accident.

As far as having difficulty if you have a good job should you lose a job once you have a family, that does happen and yes, it is hard, but there are things you can do until you get a job that you need. Work several jobs if you can. it is important to keep a roof over your head and food on the table. Keep applying for other jobs, that you are qualified for until you get that job. Cut back on the unnecessary stuff. If you have to dump cable, your cellphone and other unneeded niceties other than water, power and at least a land line as a basic land line is cheaper than a cell phone. Turn the TV off outside of a few hours a day and buy cheaper foods, even if generic. Buy in bulk as it is cheaper than individual pieces. Stop going to movies, stop buying those high dollar rims for your car, get a different car that is more fuel efficient instead of having to have that Cadillac Escalade the guzzles fuel. If you can, take the bus instead of your car.

It isn't about being elitist, it's about doing what you need to make sure one can survive, even if you have to restrict the "fun" stuff for a while.

[QUOTE="lostrib"]

[QUOTE="BossPerson"]they are irrational. BossPerson

going full lai?

Never go full Potato

[QUOTE="WhiteKnight77"]

[QUOTE="Murderstyle75"]

I can remember going to McDonald's and getting a Quarter Pounder with Cheese, an order of large fries, a cherry pie and a large vanilla milkshake for under $2. I do not ever recall an order being wrong or complaints of wrong orders and those workers were paid a hell of a lot less than they are now. They were still young adults and school aged young adults working the counter as well as older 20somethings. 

Back then, people cared about what they did, nowadays, people just do not care anymore. It isn't about pay, it's about treating others just like you want to be treated, especially if you are in the service industry, which fast food is. Today's work ethic is almost nonexistant. I have seen it everywhere. People do just enough to make bank, they do not want to go above and beyond to show that they are worth more to the company. This does not apply all people, but the younger one is, the more it is true. Hell, look at this forum and how people keep saying we have to help everyone. There is the air that no one needs to take responsibility for their own actions and life, they want others to give them what they need instead of working for it. 

comp_atkins

:lol:

Just remember, it's the truth sadly. 

There are many variables as to why someone would work a minimum wage job and have a family. One reason is that there aren't any other jobs available after a layoff, so they do what the can in the mean time.

I seriously don't understand republicans who want to eliminate or lower minimum. Minimum is not livable, and as a result, the government has to pick up the slack through SNAP and other programs. If we force those incredibly wealthy companies to pay just a little bit more then we'd take a huge burden off of the government. majoras_wrath

[QUOTE="majoras_wrath"]I seriously don't understand republicans who want to eliminate or lower minimum. Minimum is not livable, and as a result, the government has to pick up the slack through SNAP and other programs. If we force those incredibly wealthy companies to pay just a little bit more then we'd take a huge burden off of the government. lowkey254

So what, we can further expand the food stamp program?

I seriously don't understand republicans who want to eliminate or lower minimum. Minimum is not livable, and as a result, the government has to pick up the slack through SNAP and other programs. If we force those incredibly wealthy companies to pay just a little bit more then we'd take a huge burden off of the government. majoras_wrath

republicans want to get rid of those programs anyways

[QUOTE="majoras_wrath"]I seriously don't understand republicans who want to eliminate or lower minimum. Minimum is not livable, and as a result, the government has to pick up the slack through SNAP and other programs. If we force those incredibly wealthy companies to pay just a little bit more then we'd take a huge burden off of the government. lostrib

republicans want to get rid of those programs anyways

I sure think so.  We have many people complaining about the minimum wage being too low to live on and/or support a family.  This is bs... Why the hell do you have a family if you make minimum wage?  Furthermore, jobs that pay minimum wage are entry level and do not deserve any substantial compensation.  Should someone who cleans toilets really make a good living?  Lowering the minimum wage will help people aspire to be better.   The minimum wage allows for lazy people to cruise... if we lower it they will either become more useful to the society or die... it is a win win situation.  

BenedictArnold7

While it is a bit difficult to live on minimum wage, one can mitigate how hard it is. Get rid of all the unnecessary bills to start with. Get rid of all phones, or at the very least, just have a land line. Get rid of cable or satellite TV and watch over air TV instead. Move into an apartment, it doesn't have to be lavish or that large. That will let you not have a water and sewer bill as well as the need for other services one would with a house.

Buy bulk groceries. A family pack of ground beef @ 3lbs is cheaper than 3 pounds that are individually wrapped. Make your own meals instead of eating out or fast food. Three pounds of ground beef at say $7.29 a package will feed you at least 6 meals if not more. A pan of lasagne may cost $5 (using one pound of ground beef) should feed a single person at least 4 times. That's more than a meal from McDonald's that costs $7 unless you are eating just off the dollar menu (which means you are going to eat more as the burgers are small to begin with). Buy generic groceries as they are just as tasty and have the same quality as name brand goods and are cheaper.

Restrict the "fun" activities. Stop going to movies (if ya have to, buy the $5 DVDs at Wal-Mart), don't dine out all the time, quite partying, quit smoking, that could save someone $2000 or more a year (it can be less if you smoke the cheap generic brands) depending on where you live not to mention you will decrease your chances of health problems later in life. 

Ride a bike to work if you can or take the bus if available.

These are just a few examples what one can do to make ends meet when not making a whole bunch of money. Once you can, start putting some money aside for emergencies, even if just $20 a month. That will add up eventually if you can find a bank that offers interest on a savings account. Most credit unions still pay interest on a basic share account and often have better services than a bank. 

While it is a bit difficult to live on minimum wage, one can mitigate how hard it is. Get rid of all the unnecessary bills to start with. Get rid of all phones, or at the very least, just have a land line. Get rid of cable or satellite TV and watch over air TV instead. Move into an apartment, it doesn't have to be lavish or that large. That will let you not have a water and sewer bill as well as the need for other services one would with a house.

Buy bulk groceries. A family pack of ground beef @ 3lbs is cheaper than 3 pounds that are individually wrapped. Make your own meals instead of eating out or fast food. Three pounds of ground beef at say $7.29 a package will feed you at least 6 meals if not more. A pan of lasagne may cost $5 (using one pound of ground beef) should feed a single person at least 4 times. That's more than a meal from McDonald's that costs $7 unless you are eating just off the dollar menu (which means you are going to eat more as the burgers are small to begin with). Buy generic groceries as they are just as tasty and have the same quality as name brand goods and are cheaper.

Restrict the "fun" activities. Stop going to movies (if ya have to, buy the $5 DVDs at Wal-Mart), don't dine out all the time, quite partying, quit smoking, that could save someone $2000 or more a year (it can be less if you smoke the cheap generic brands) depending on where you live not to mention you will decrease your chances of health problems later in life. 

Ride a bike to work if you can or take the bus if available.

These are just a few examples what one can do to make ends meet when not making a whole bunch of money. Once you can, start putting some money aside for emergencies, even if just $20 a month. That will add up eventually if you can find a bank that offers interest on a savings account. Most credit unions still pay interest on a basic share account and often have better services than a bank. 

WhiteKnight77

It's still too difficult in a lot of areas to live on minimum wage. Where I live right now you could do it without too much difficulty. Where I grew up it would be much easier too. However in more metropolitan areas they need a higher minimum wage.

When you think about it, the majority of minimum wage jobs are services jobs. These kind of jobs cannot be easily moved or even reduced. It's pretty safe for a city to increase their minimum wage within their limits. Many metropolitan areas already do that. There, of course would be jobs lost, but the quality of life improvement would be great for a lot of people. The hard part is finding that point where the minimum amount of jobs are lost for the maximum amount of gain.

This is why I don't like federal minimum wage standards and feel it should be up to the state, county, and city. It's far too regional of a problem. The federal minimum wage should be used just for a bare minimum floor. 

Reintroduce slavery!m25105

Unpaid internships. 

Nah, minimum wage is already too low. 7.75 is it ? I think 9-10 dollars an hour for hard workers in entry level positions won't break a company. 

[QUOTE="Ace6301"]Yeah! F*ck being able to survive off what you earn for 80 hours a week. Laihendi

Get rid of it completely, its merely a road block towards true laissez-faire capitalism. HoolaHoopMan

[QUOTE="majoras_wrath"]I seriously don't understand republicans who want to eliminate or lower minimum. Minimum is not livable, and as a result, the government has to pick up the slack through SNAP and other programs. If we force those incredibly wealthy companies to pay just a little bit more then we'd take a huge burden off of the government. lowkey254