What Are Your Feelings About Minimum Wage? [SURVEY]
The Washington Legislature is close to passing a minimum wage increase. It would go up to $10 an hour in 2016 and rise to $12 in phases over 4 years. The idea is to give every person who works hard and does a good job a living wage. I'm not sure I agree, but I feel self-conscious talking about it. I'll share my thoughts if you share yours.
I think the minimum wage was created to prevent employers from taking advantage of people. But high minimum wages result in more people employed at that wage instead of a higher one. Instead of it being an entry-level wage, or pay suitable for teenagers and foreign guest workers, it is now the baseline.
Companies like big box retailers are hiring more people at minimum wage instead hiring fewer people and training them to be professionals.
In other words, I think the intent of minimum wage has backfired. In today's economy it should be abolished or lowered to remind everyone it is for teenagers, not working mothers.
Adults with experience need real living wage.
OK, I shared mine, you share yours: