If you don’t like what you are getting paid then find another job. Businesses don’t exist to give you a job. You aren’t owed anything.
I personally haven't made a penny less then 40k except for 1 job right after highschool graduation. Last year I made 168k. I have friends who work for way less then they are worth. I know people with a masters degree, I forget in what, but had to take a factory job.
I just feel that companies should pay their employees based on that companies income. I mean if the ceos are bringing in 100k-200k or even more they can afford to pay more then $7.25.
If people are willing to work for $7.25 why should they pay more?
I see where you coming from, The business perspective, Why pay people more if they are willing to work and do this job for $7.25?
But doesn't mean that person will work to their full potential.
There has been studies on employees with higher morale, and how else can you raise employee morale? More money.
Their production will increase, the will do a better job, tardiness will decrease, and decreased negative talk to new hires.
I worked at a place temporarily, and the hired on employees that were responsible in training me on the job, would tell me nothing but negative things about that company. examples: "Why you choose to work here? I would look for another job before you get stuck here.", "This company doesn't care about their employees, they just want more and more, and don't notice the hard work we put in." "The company down the street pays more and offers better benefits." I'm sure you know what I am talking about.
Then they would train me the wrong way to cut corners to get it done faster. Missing details and not thoroughly completing the task.
So then wouldn't know the proper procedure when questioned.
There are reasons why the company has proper procedures for each individual job task.
Also the people who do work for $7.25 are most likely not offered health care benefits, vision or dental benefits, vacation days, personal paid days off, or 401k, or any other benefits that other companies may offer.
And now with it being mandatory to find alternative health care or be fined each year you go with out by our government, taking the fine amount out of the tax money you are getting back from them.
Someone told me that they were looking for health care plans out side of their company, and some cost as high as $260 a month, that would be $3120 a year. But lets say this person, making $7.25/hr needs health insurance because of a medical reason, otherwise wouldn't be able to afford to take care of their health problem. So they get lucky and find a plan for $100 bucks a month and that is only for medical problems, no vision or dental. SO $100 a month for a year is $1200 a year.
Say on day their tooth begins to hurt. They will miss work, and it wouldn't be a paid day off, so there is 8 hours gone right there, and 8 hours less out of a check for making $7.25 is a difference. Say they are required to wear glasses to drive. That could cost a nice chunk of change.
So lets say they have to dish out $500 bucks a year for dental and vision visits.
The yearly gross income of a person making $7.25/hr, considering they worked 40 hours each week out of the year, is roughly 15,080.
Rent for an apartment in my area could be anywhere from $400 a month to $1300 a month. Obviously someone making $7.25 would have an apartment that cost $1300 a month. The best bet would to get a 1 bedroom for $550-$650 a month with all utilities included. So they just have to pay the $550-$650 and not worry about any utility bills. That is considering that the person doesn't have children or pets.
So if the person making $7.25 and hour has rent lets say $600 a month no utilities to pay. That will be $7200 a year.
So there gross income is $15080 a year. For rent, health insurance, and dental and vision visits, they are up to $8900 a year in expenses already.
Now say they need a car to get to their job, due to bus routes being cut off of service and maybe no bus route near, and their job isn't on or near a bus route. So now they need a car. Cant afford to buy a reliable car straight out, due to the fact its hard to save any kind of money living pay check to pay check. So they get a car paying $150 bucks a month and since it was through their bank they need good car insurance. Considering they have a clean driving record they might only have to pay $100-$150 a month for car insurance. Lets say $125 a month for car insurance. So car payment and insurance will be together $3300 a year.
Now add $3300 on to $8900, and you get $12,200. While only making $15,080 a year, you might just make it.
So now what do you do about food and fuel for your car so you can get to that job?
What about clothes and shoes through out the year?
That person morale is going to be very, very low.
Then with cost of living and inflation going up and down all the time, that person may go with out at times. And they see there company making all this money, managers and owners driving new cars, ordering food, and living good. You are making them money to live good while you barely survive. It is just not right.
Companies should base their pay on the kind of money they make, not how easy the job is.
Companies that pay minimum wage should at least offer health insurance, vision and dental coverage, and vacation days off.
People who make minimum wage is pretty much the modern slave, just justified because they are being paid.
