this post was submitted on 01 Feb 2024
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Work Reform
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A place to discuss positive changes that can make work more equitable, and to vent about current practices. We are NOT against work; we just want the fruits of our labor to be recognized better.
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- All workers must be paid a living wage for their labor.
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Cost of living in NY > Cost of living in Nowhere, Kansas
Minimum wage of NY > Minimum wage of Nowhere, Kansas
This has nothing to do with what minimum wage should afford
I don't agree with OP. We shouldn't be striving to get people to work minimum wage. The minimum should be minimum. 2 BR is not minimum.
Now I'm all for a Basic Minimum Income. And if you need 2 BR and your low paying job isn't enough, the BMI should cover it.
But this idea that the lowest working class needs to receive "minimum wage" is false. They need to receive fair pay, not the minimum the company is required to give them.
Isn't the whole point that the minimum wage should be a fair wage?
Yes and no
Should be a fair wage, but it's not always a fair wage. In reality minimum wage will always lag behind inflation if you keep raising it to chase it.
Say minimum wage is $10
I work a job
Now, what is the company going to pay me?
$10
Fair wage is $12 for the job, but the business is only required to pay me $10.
In perfect economic conditions, I could go find another company that's willing to pay me $12, but we all know someone struggling at the bottom can't just simply switch jobs.
So the people that want to increase minimum wage want it to go to $12. To make it fair.
I'd say let them get $10, then tax the company and make sure the person gets $12, maybe even $14 if they need it.