New York’s move to raise fast-food minimum wages to $15 is spurring similar efforts around the country — even as Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s push to enact an across-the-board $15 wage faces opposition at home.
Fast-food workers in 18 states have modeled a campaign after New York’s to create citizen “wage boards” to pressure elected officials to raise the wage in their state.
Michigan state Sen. Bert Johnson, a Detroit Democrat, says New York shows a $15 minimum is achievable.
Last month Cuomo’s administration approved a gradual $15 minimum for fast-food workers. The Democratic governor supports a $15 minimum for all industries.
Business owners say that would be devastating and the Business Council of New York State estimates it would cost New York businesses $15.7 billion annually.
(AP)
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The problem with raising the minimum wage so high, say for a man who flips burgers or cleans floors, is that $15 actually averages more than individuals with training often earn. So a guy who is a high school drop out can technically earn more than someone who may have worked hard to become a licensed worker. So if minimum wage goes up, who needs to bother with extra schooling or even college, if you can make a decent living without having to waste time studying and collecting debt? Basically it’s unfair to all those who are now making $15, they’re going to want $30 next week….