The answer to $15.00 Hour fast food restaurant wages

[ronandannette]

I certainly don't agree with the $15 per hour minimum across the board, but I do think there is some merit to the jurisdictional approach. At least you guys are much closer to that $15 than we are at this point. I think it would be interesting to see what our national average might be after each state established a minimum.

That already exists; the Federal government establishes the guidelines under which wage minimums are applied and the actual amount is determined province-by-province by the respective Provincial governments. Wages vary a bit coast-to-coast-to coast and are highest in the least-populated, highest COL areas like our arctic regions. From a low of $10.25 (interestingly in our most left-leaning province) to $13.00.

We are closer but many people don't agree with it here either.

I don't know too many people that DO agree; I also don't know of (honestly, not one) anybody who has a full-time position in either FF or retail; not counting management and/or admin. Few other jobs here are strictly minimum wage and those that are would not likely be full-time jobs either. Any talk of raising minimum wage doesn't really address whether or not it's "liveable" because you'd need at least 2 separate positions to cobble together enough hours to know.

 

[mefordis]

What about Starbucks? I think they pay well above the min wage. How do they do that and manage to survive? I think they have healthcare as well.

 

[declansdad]

Yes, but you have to look at positions that are comparable to yours. My husband makes more than most doctors and people would probably think that is unfair since doctors (supposedly) save lives. However, his industry makes a lot of money and his skills are in short supply. The comparison has to be based on other positions within the same field doing the same thing. If a welder only makes $10 / hour and thinks they should make more, they need to negotiate for more then leave the field if necessary. Once there are no more welders willing to work for that wage, I'll bet it goes up.

I think a $15/hour min wage will get the wages in the country closer to the level needed for survival.

You really just need to look at other jobs within your company. That is the pay scale I'm taking about.

What about Starbucks? I think they pay well above the min wage. How do they do that and manage to survive? I think they have healthcare as well.

I don't know what they pay their workers but I do know that the swill they serve is grossly over-priced. That could be how they pay their workers more.

 

[mefordis]

You really just need to look at other jobs within your company. That is the pay scale I'm taking about.



I don't know what they pay their workers but I do know that the swill they serve is grossly over-priced. That could be how they pay their workers more.

Their customers obviously have no problem paying it. They are doing fabulous as a company - I only see more stores opening, none closing. They also pay for school for employees.

What is your concern? That your big mac is going to cost more than $1.00 ?

 

[TLSnell1981]

$15 per hour @ McDonalds..means more jobs disappear.

What about Starbucks? I think they pay well above the min wage. How do they do that and manage to survive? I think they have healthcare as well.

I know a few longtime Starbuck's employees, that are now on a "coffee break". Benefits aren't the same and neither are the hours. Personally, I noticed a decline with the new younger, inexperience (not so well trained) employees).

 

[TLSnell1981]

Their customers obviously have no problem paying it. They are doing fabulous as a company - I only see more stores opening, none closing. They also pay for school for employees.

What is your concern? That your big mac is going to cost more than $1.00 ?

My concern with $15 hourly rates for entry level jobs ? They are unsustainable and more jobs will become automated. ..leaving more underemployed and/or unemployed

 

[mefordis]

My concern with $15 hourly rates for entry level jobs ? They are unsustainable and more jobs will become automated. ..leaving more underemployed and/or unemployed

If they could use robots to do the work of a fast food worker they would already be doing it. The technology just isn't there to make it profitable, and even if it was, McDonalds would NOT be able to afford it, ever.

Also, am I the only one here who thinks $15 is still peanuts? I pay my babysitters more than that and I pay the going rate!

 

[Planogirl]

If they could use robots to do the work of a fast food worker they would already be doing it. The technology just isn't there to make it profitable, and even if it was, McDonalds would NOT be able to afford it, ever.

Also, am I the only one here who thinks $15 is still peanuts? I pay my babysitters more than that and I pay the going rate!

I would prefer to deal with a live person. I hear all the time about rude workers but most that I deal with are polite and get the order right. In fact I'm about to go to Whataburger where they will probably get everything right and do so in a pleasant way.

Does that mean they should be paid more? I think so. $15 is high but I would say $10 is OK at least where we live. If that means other wages should increase I have no problem with that. Wages have been stagnant for a long time so why not share the wealth a little?

 

[TLSnell1981]

If they could use robots to do the work of a fast food worker they would already be doing it. The technology just isn't there to make it profitable, and even if it was, McDonalds would NOT be able to afford it, ever.

Also, am I the only one here who thinks $15 is still peanuts? I pay my babysitters more than that and I pay the going rate!

You don't need robots to decrease the number of workers...E.G. automated ordering and payment. There are ways to cut costs...most include jobs and hours.

 

[declansdad]

Their customers obviously have no problem paying it. They are doing fabulous as a company - I only see more stores opening, none closing. They also pay for school for employees.

What is your concern? That your big mac is going to cost more than $1.00 ?

My concern has nothing to do with a big mac but please tell me where it costs a dollar.

It has to do with the fact the minimum wage jobs are typically low skilled jobs that are not worth $15 per hour. This whole discussion has also focused large corporations with little thought given to the numerous small businesses and how they would deal with the increased cost.

You also have to consider the impact on other employees in the company after their wages had been devalued.

 

[mefordis]

You don't need robots to decrease the number of workers...E.G. automated ordering and payment. There are ways to cut costs...most include jobs and hours.

The cashier represents the fewest number of employees. Eliminating the cashier position in favor of automated ordering and payment system still leaves in place the majority of jobs within the restaurant. this means actual humans are keeping the place clean, prepping the food, making the meals, and of course the managers overseeing everything.

Let's not overlook the jobs that WILL be created if these establishments replace cashiers with automated ordering - people need to program and maintain these computers, right? This is not an entry level fast food employee, however, it does create jobs elsewhere that would not have existed otherwise.

 

[mefordis]

I think the whole viewpoint of trying to keep others down to lift oneself is all wrong and serves no one. We should be happy that people are being paid higher wages because it most likely means wages will go up for others as a ripple effect. Also, it means that people are more likely to support themselves as opposed to getting on public assistance.

 

[declansdad]

I think the whole viewpoint of trying to keep others down to lift oneself is all wrong and serves no one. We should be happy that people are being paid higher wages because it most likely means wages will go up for others as a ripple effect. Also, it means that people are more likely to support themselves as opposed to getting on public assistance.

I don't think there is anyone here that has said that.

 

[Bianca and Bernard]

I think the whole viewpoint of trying to keep others down to lift oneself is all wrong and serves no one. We should be happy that people are being paid higher wages because it most likely means wages will go up for others as a ripple effect. Also, it means that people are more likely to support themselves as opposed to getting on public assistance.

Neither DH or myself has EVER gotten a wage increase when the minimum wage has risen. Not once.


The Panera by our house has automated ordering. They only ever have one cashier on duty anymore, even on busy Saturdays. They used to have 2 plus someone to help make coffees and get pastries. Now it's one person getting all the coffees and pastries for the cashier and the automated orders. Takes about 5-10 minutes more now, if it's slow; longest we've had to wait for 2 lattes and 2 pastries was 20 minutes. Annoying as heck.

 

[TLSnell1981]

I think the whole viewpoint of trying to keep others down to lift oneself is all wrong and serves no one. We should be happy that people are being paid higher wages because it most likely means wages will go up for others as a ripple effect. Also, it means that people are more likely to support themselves as opposed to getting on public assistance.

It has nothing to do with keeping others down. I seriously doubt, that's anyone's intention.

Would there be a ripple effect and all wages imcrease? It's possible, but prices would too....and the cost of living. So, it would be a wash in that scenario.

 

[ScottOKW2K]

The cashier represents the fewest number of employees. Eliminating the cashier position in favor of automated ordering and payment system still leaves in place the majority of jobs within the restaurant. this means actual humans are keeping the place clean, prepping the food, making the meals, and of course the managers overseeing everything.

Let's not overlook the jobs that WILL be created if these establishments replace cashiers with automated ordering - people need to program and maintain these computers, right? This is not an entry level fast food employee, however, it does create jobs elsewhere that would not have existed otherwise.

However, it will be likely that the person that programs and maintains those systems will be taking care of a fair number of them - I'd guess at 10 to 20 to be able to properly maintain them. Even if that individual made $25/hour I will still be significantly less of a contribution to the local economy that the 10 to 20 minimum wage workers that were replaced. And those employees displaced will not have the skills for the "new" job.

 

[mefordis]

Neither DH or myself has EVER gotten a wage increase when the minimum wage has risen. Not once.


The Panera by our house has automated ordering. They only ever have one cashier on duty anymore, even on busy Saturdays. They used to have 2 plus someone to help make coffees and get pastries. Now it's one person getting all the coffees and pastries for the cashier and the automated orders. Takes about 5-10 minutes more now, if it's slow; longest we've had to wait for 2 lattes and 2 pastries was 20 minutes. Annoying as heck.

Soon they will have to hire more people or face dropping sales because no one wants to wait 20 mins for their food.

 

[Mom of a great kid]

I think the whole viewpoint of trying to keep others down to lift oneself is all wrong and serves no one. We should be happy that people are being paid higher wages because it most likely means wages will go up for others as a ripple effect. Also, it means that people are more likely to support themselves as opposed to getting on public assistance.

You are right on target. Keeping others poor doesn't put money in my pocket. Someone asked how we would feel about making the same money as a fast food worker. I've been in that situation, and I'm fine with it. My self-worth isn't based on being 'better than' or making more than someone else. And the ripple effect would benefit me in the long run.

 

[mefordis]

However, it will be likely that the person that programs and maintains those systems will be taking care of a fair number of them - I'd guess at 10 to 20 to be able to properly maintain them. Even if that individual made $25/hour I will still be significantly less of a contribution to the local economy that the 10 to 20 minimum wage workers that were replaced. And those employees displaced will not have the skills for the "new" job.

A separate company deals with those ordering systems and I assure you the programmers make more than $25 / hour. They are salaried programmers that probably make close to or over six figures. It isn't a "new" job that can be just given to a former cashier of burger king, however, if that cashier moves onto the fryer job making $15/hour they perhaps can try to put themselves through school and work for an automated ordering system company one day, writing the software.

Also, I"m not a big fast food consumer but I would willingly pay a few dollars more if minimum wage goes up. We pay more for many things that don't even translate into higher wages for the employees - like Disney tickets. Where is that money going? Not wage increases for their employees but we do pay it.

If a company has a desirable product or service, people will pay what it costs regardless of what it costs. Disney proves that.

 

[mefordis]

No matter what the minimum wage is, there are always going to be people at the bottom that feel that they deserve more. And as we've seen people can't agree on what is livable. I really think there should Be no federal minimum wage. Let states set their own.

I have to agree that states should be able to set their own. I am in favor of a minimum wage that is a reasonable amount, however, I see no reason for
federal mandates of what that should be.