Mar
19
Living Wage – #9 – Josh Hirth
March 19, 2015 | Leave a Comment
Hawkins article discusses the ins and outs of the wage battle, specifically in terms of who is demanding what. It discusses the states wage increase to $9 for 2016, De Blasio’s attempt to raise it even higher, and Obama’s historic attempt to make it $10.10. I found the mention of governor Cuomo interesting, the articles explanation for his refusal to go along with De Blasio’s wage hike, was his reelection. That could perhaps be true but who knows, maybe he fundamentally disagrees with a minimum wage hike because of its adverse effects on the economy. I also found the mention of senate republicans interesting, and how State Sen. Daniel Squadron, supports a minimum wage increase because after all it helps suburban communities more than urban cities. And considering that makes up a lot of constituency, who wouldn’t want that.
What was most interesting to me was the so-called “prevailing wage”, in which people like asbestos cleaners and mechanics earn wages 4-5 times minimum wage. I was more interested in who gave these folks such a high guaranteed wage. I guess a possible rational is that they are more educated (skilled) so they get higher pay. Or perhaps, for people like the asbestos cleaners, they are at more risk of health concerns in the future, so the high compensation accounts for their shorter life or work span? Whatever it is, they are definitely doing well especially compared to the rest of the state, and even the most radical $15 an hour doesn’t even come close.
I found the Forbes article, because when political pundants and other seemingly reliable sources mention statistics to prove their point it is very hard to refute them without doing heaps of research. As I mentioned with the Heritage article from the past post I never know weather or not to believe the numbers put out. This in part answers that for me, by showing the myths that are put out there. The first example discussing the stagnating household income shows how the 3.2% figure is merely invented my statistical manipulation. The article points out that if you look at the data and take into account all of the relevant parts, the number is closer to 36.7% more than 10 times the 3.2% often discussed. I am not entirely sure how I feel about Forbes data, but at least it puts the potential for manipulation into perspective.
“Having children without a husband tends to make you poor. Not working makes you even poorer. And there is nothing new about that. These are age-old truths. They were true 50 years ago, a hundred years ago and even 1,000 year ago. Lifestyle choices have always mattered.” I think this point by the Forbes article should be well taken, and although being a single parent is not necessarily a choice one can be held accountable for, working is. Just because the economy as a whole is growing and the rich are getting richer doesn’t mean you are necessarily entitled to the money if you are not doing your part. I think that will hold true in any society. I think the physical act of working, even if you require government help and charity to make ends meat, the physical act of putting in the work is beneficial. I would take this quote one step further, because I think it also holds true for the future…
The opening paragraph in thegurdian’s article mentions one of the hardships of being a restaurant worker. “Imagine that your pay depended on the mood of your clients,” for those of you that are planning on starting your own business, or intend on rising in the ranks at a large cooperation that holds true for you as well. In any job the skill at which you perform and often the mood of your client will affect your ultimate pay. What is the difference if it is your salary or your bonus… Also, “Restaurant workers are also required by law to claim their tips as income.” Lets all be truthful here, just because cash received as tips is supposed to be declared and taxed, doesn’t necessarily mean most employees declare it. In fact more likely than not they don’t. My suggestion for the restaurant industry is do away with tips completely, pay a minimum wage to everyone and incorporate the 15% or so into the cost of the meal. It truly doesn’t make any sense to do it any other way anymore.
