Minimum Wage Blues
You probably wouldn't mind working minimum wage if the price was right, right?
Well, in that respect, the city of San Francisco is about to make history.
Well, in that respect, the city of San Francisco is about to make history.
Starting January 1, 2012, the city will up its minimum wage to $10.24 an hour. That's more than two dollars more than California's minimum wage and nearly $3 more than the federal wage.
Here in Alabama, minimum wage only adheres to the federal standard of $7.25 an hour.
What I want to know is what bonehead on Capitol Hill decided that was a good starting rate? Do they really think a person can survive on that? I barely survive on what I make, which is a little more than San Fran's soon-to-be minimum, and I'm not spending my money frivolously.
Last night we said that it was exciting news for that city, but when you really think about it, it's not all that exciting. Higher minimum wage means higher standards of living, so making $10.24 is about the same as making $7.25 when you consider how much everything costs.
But hopefully the higher minimum wage in that city will mean lower unemployment. Maybe it will make working at McDonald's a more attractive option than simply relying on Welfare and food stamps. Maybe if people feel like they aren't being underpaid at those types of jobs they'll actually take them.
Here in Alabama, minimum wage only adheres to the federal standard of $7.25 an hour.
What I want to know is what bonehead on Capitol Hill decided that was a good starting rate? Do they really think a person can survive on that? I barely survive on what I make, which is a little more than San Fran's soon-to-be minimum, and I'm not spending my money frivolously.
Last night we said that it was exciting news for that city, but when you really think about it, it's not all that exciting. Higher minimum wage means higher standards of living, so making $10.24 is about the same as making $7.25 when you consider how much everything costs.
But hopefully the higher minimum wage in that city will mean lower unemployment. Maybe it will make working at McDonald's a more attractive option than simply relying on Welfare and food stamps. Maybe if people feel like they aren't being underpaid at those types of jobs they'll actually take them.
2 comments
omfg. i cannot imagine living off of that kind of money. i am not trying to sound SMUG. my first job paid $9 an hour and this was back in 1986 WHEN I LIVED WITH MY PARENTS! we are all connected in what we do and what we pay. it is complicated. and a lot of it is unfair. there just doesn't seem to be enough money for a lot of people to get a fair shake in life. it is so aggravating.
ReplyDeleteIt is aggravating, but I find that I have no sympathy for people who don't have a job simply because they feel minimum wage jobs are 'beneath them'. We've all got to start somewhere, right?
ReplyDelete