Fast food workers protest for $15 minimum wage.

[andycrazn]

Yawnnnnnnn we're getting nowhere with this. Companies are getting record profits through hard times while middle america is suffering. Fewer Americans are working than any time in decades, these companies are getting bigger pieces of the pie while the employees don't, 75% of the jobs being created are part time, we're facing the biggest gap between rich and poor in history, and yet  a $10 minimum wage is just too much. 

What are the solutions then?

let the free markets work. we havent had that in a long time, this is why mom and pop shops are dying, communities are dying, while corporations are growing along with government. they both go hand in hand but no one seems to understand that.

 

[damned1]

Yawnnnnnnn we're getting nowhere with this. Companies are getting record profits through hard times while middle america is suffering. Fewer Americans are working than any time in decades, these companies are getting bigger pieces of the pie while the employees don't, 75% of the jobs being created are part time, we're facing the biggest gap between rich and poor in history, and yet  a $10 minimum wage is just too much. 

What are the solutions then?

Good point.
I would start by bringing back the Glass Steagal Act, and abolish all monopolies like we had before the great "Reagan Era". It's been downhill since then. Every President since Ronnie has had a hand in this deregulation debacle. Yes, both parties did this. And it wouldn't hurt if we had a multiple party system. We only get to chose Republican or Democrat. That's quite a selection. Oh, I almost forgot the hapless Green Party

 

[andycrazn]

Yawnnnnnnn we're getting nowhere with this. Companies are getting record profits through hard times while middle america is suffering. Fewer Americans are working than any time in decades, these companies are getting bigger pieces of the pie while the employees don't, 75% of the jobs being created are part time, we're facing the biggest gap between rich and poor in history, and yet  a $10 minimum wage is just too much. 

What are the solutions then?

Good point.
I would start by bringing back the Glass Steagal Act, and abolish all monopolies like we had before the great "Reagan Era". It's been downhill since then. Every President since Ronnie has had a hand in this deregulation debacle. Yes, both parties did this. And it wouldn't hurt if we had a multiple party system. We only get to chose Republican or Democrat. That's quite a selection. Oh, I almost forgot the hapless Green Party

fascism or socialism. take your pick. we cant have any others cause thats competition.

 

[damned1]

^^^We have a Corporatocracy now. Where all decisions are being made by major corporations. Major companies will actually write bills and hand them over to their government lackies to pass them into laws. Koch brothers are major players in this arena along with Haliburton and the Carlyle Group. Check Citizens United and see how the Supreme Court just sold us out to big money,

 

[andycrazn]

no need to give a fancy name to what it is. its plain old facism. think about it, from the BP incident where its a felony to go near the site to the bankers still being free. the left and the right is benefiting off of it. this is why the richest politicians are democrat.

 

[shoelyesses]

^^^We have a Corporatocracy now. Where all decisions are being made by major corporations. Major companies will actually write bills and hand them over to their government lackies to pass them into laws. Koch brothers are major players in this arena along with Haliburton and the Carlyle Group. Check Citizens United and see how the Supreme Court just sold us out to big money,

lol that's why I chuckle when ppl talk about what side of the political party fence they're on. Its like saying who you prefer to rape you. Either way you still gonna get it raw with no grease.

 

[fontaine]

I think some CEO bashing is unwarranted.

You lead a company values at $1 billion... $100 per share...

If the ceo gets the price up to $120...

Means the company is valued at 1.2 billion...

He essentially added $200M in value to the shareholders...

Its wrong for him to get 1-5% of that?

I mean... He IS THE Leader...

there are some companies that are well likes machines.. but they got there due to good management

 

[shoelyesses]

I think some CEO bashing is unwarranted.

You lead a company values at $1 billion... $100 per share...

If the ceo gets the price up to $120...

Means the company is valued at 1.2 billion...

He essentially added $200M in value to the shareholders...

Its wrong for him to get 1-5% of that?

I mean... He IS THE Leader...

there are some companies that are well likes machines.. but they got there due to good management

that is true but how many have gotten to that stature without in some form of another being unethical/dishonest? how many haven't used or exploited ppl? How many haven't overworked and underpaid its lower tier employees?

 

[damned1]

that is true but how many have gotten to that stature without in some form of another being unethical/dishonest? how many haven't used or exploited ppl? How many haven't overworked and underpaid its lower tier employees?

Let's not forget the average CEO in these big corporation make about 9.5 million dollars a year . It's hard to bump up the minimum wage when your profits are soaring and your corporation doesn't pay squat in Federal Income Tax.
The Institute for Policy Studies released a report that shows many large companies pay more to CEOs in compensation than they did in corporate income taxes to the federal government.
Not to mention that these very same CEO's receive government subsidies (our tax dollars) to help fund their businesses. But give a hand out to those less fortunate and everyone gets their knickers in a twist, the fat cats get our tax dollars to get richer and no one says a word

 

[shoelyesses]

Let's not forget the average CEO in these big corporation make about 9.5 million dollars a year . It's hard to bump up the minimum wage when your profits are soaring and your corporation doesn't pay squat in Federal Income Tax.
The Institute for Policy Studies released a report that shows many large companies pay more to CEOs in compensation than they did in corporate income taxes to the federal government.
Not to mention that these very same CEO's receive government subsidies (our tax dollars) to help fund their businesses. But give a hand out to those less fortunate and everyone gets their knickers in a twist, the fat cats get our tax dollars to get richer and no one says a word

see I wasn't gonna even mention that... like all these folks especially tea baggers etc... complaining about poor/minorities etc sucking up the money with aids such as wic/tanf etc, yet the majority of said food subsidies/monies is being used by Walmart.

So folks wanna trip on the single mom who getting 300 a month in free groceries, but not Walmart who is doing the same and getting 8 figures every month...Like really.

 

[fontaine]

Let's not forget the average CEO in these big corporation make about 9.5 million dollars a year . It's hard to bump up the minimum wage when your profits are soaring and your corporation doesn't pay squat in Federal Income Tax.
The Institute for Policy Studies released a report that shows many large companies pay more to CEOs in compensation than they did in corporate income taxes to the federal government.
Not to mention that these very same CEO's receive government subsidies (our tax dollars) to help fund their businesses. But give a hand out to those less fortunate and everyone gets their knickers in a twist, the fat cats get our tax dollars to get richer and no one says a word

it's easier to kick the poor famb. You know that

 

[spot]

I think some CEO bashing is unwarranted.

You lead a company values at $1 billion... $100 per share...

If the ceo gets the price up to $120...

Means the company is valued at 1.2 billion...

He essentially added $200M in value to the shareholders...

Its wrong for him to get 1-5% of that?

I mean... He IS THE Leader...

there are some companies that are well likes machines.. but they got there due to good management

but some companies make dumb choices

and to increase profits cut costs reduce raises etc

sure it looks good on paper but if they can't make any more changes

it will just come back to haunt them (disgruntled workers leading to less sales etc)

but the CEO will still end up cashing out 

 

[duba169]

Downsize, ship jobs overseas, cheap materials, stagnant wages = profit

So while the decision maker boosts revenue... Who is it really helping? Why should it be the end all be all? Because you have it drilled into your head that one day this could be you making the decisions?

 

[damned1]

Downsize, ship jobs overseas, cheap materials, stagnant wages = profit

So while the decision maker boosts revenue... Who is it really helping? Why should it be the end all be all? Because you have it drilled into your head that one day this could be you making the decisions?

They've got us brainwashed into thinking that someday we will all be rock stars and movie stars, millionaires etc. then when reality sets in, they get all bitter and start playing the blame/hate game. Turning people into billionaire apologists and sympathizers.
Bottom line is : Corporations are supposed to make a profit for the shareholders, no matter what it takes. It's ruthless, and the human factor is non existent. This is unregulated capitalism at its worst. Look at other countries like Norway and compare how they are making it work.
When the banksters tanked that economy, they all got thrown in jail. That didn't happen here, they all got bailed out. They took the bailouts and instead of putting the money back into the economy, they bought out other banks and made themselves bigger. Too big to fail at its finest. Meanwhile our middle clas is shrinking at an alarming rate. The Chinese middle class is wealthier than our own. Let that simmer for a bit.

 

[krisboyz781]

To the dudes saying minimum wage is crappy pay, it isn't that crappy for a high schooler like myself, who just wants some extra cash but can't even get a job at McDonalds due to people wanting to make it a career. No matter what people say, jobs like McDonalds were never meant to be lifelong. Just an entry level job for people, who need extra cash then you move on. Why raise the wage when a high schooler or college student would happily take that job and do the job much better than you would? People are too unmotivated these days and tend to settle. Also people seem to be forgetting that if the wage is raised even if it is to 10 dollars, tons of McDonalds will be closed. This is why the In n Out Burger and Costco comparison can't be made, there's a McDonalds in like every town, I've even seen some on the same street. Not only will tons of McDonalds be closed, but the standards for working at the place will most likely be raised. I think raising the wage just creates a mess, I'm sorry to the people, who have live off of it but honestly most of these people didn't pursue their education and knew what they were getting into. I'm more sorry for the immigrants or people, who were essentially forced into a situation like this. For the people, who were just lazy and didn't gaf, screw them.

 

[damned1]

To the dudes saying minimum wage is crappy pay, it isn't that crappy for a high schooler like myself, who just wants some extra cash but can't even get a job at McDonalds due to people wanting to make it a career. No matter what people say, jobs like McDonalds were never meant to be lifelong. Just an entry level job for people, who need extra cash then you move on. Why raise the wage when a high schooler or college student would happily take that job and do the job much better than you would? People are too unmotivated these days and tend to settle. Also people seem to be forgetting that if the wage is raised even if it is to 10 dollars, tons of McDonalds will be closed. This is why the In n Out Burger and Costco comparison can't be made, there's a McDonalds in like every town, I've even seen some on the same street. Not only will tons of McDonalds be closed, but the standards for working at the place will most likely be raised. I think raising the wage just creates a mess, I'm sorry to the people, who have live off of it but honestly most of these people didn't pursue their education and knew what they were getting into. I'm more sorry for the immigrants or people, who were essentially forced into a situation like this. For the people, who were just lazy and didn't gaf, screw them.

You're worth more than minimum wage. The reason you see older folks settle into that job is because there aren't any other jobs. Some of these folks have degrees and have to work at McDonalds, Starbucks etc. McDonalds will never close! They have everyone hooked on their poison, people are craving that garbage. Don't sell yourself short, man. You can do way better than that. It's a tough market for jobs no doubt. But these huge corporations are making billions of dollars . A raise in the minimum wage is a drop in the bucket for them. Look at how much they spend on a 30 second commercial during the Super Bowl, and they can't afford to raise the minimum wage ? C'mon now

 

[harlemtothebronx]

You should be paid on the amount of skill it takes to do your job.

This isn't a skillful job.

I mean, that's kind of the reality of this. What's stopping them from finding others who can do the same job and are willing to take the current rate of pay?

 

[al audi]

To the dudes saying minimum wage is crappy pay, it isn't that crappy for a high schooler like myself, who just wants some extra cash but can't even get a job at McDonalds due to people wanting to make it a career. No matter what people say, jobs like McDonalds were never meant to be lifelong. Just an entry level job for people, who need extra cash then you move on. Why raise the wage when a high schooler or college student would happily take that job and do the job much better than you would? People are too unmotivated these days and tend to settle. Also people seem to be forgetting that if the wage is raised even if it is to 10 dollars, tons of McDonalds will be closed. This is why the In n Out Burger and Costco comparison can't be made, there's a McDonalds in like every town, I've even seen some on the same street. Not only will tons of McDonalds be closed, but the standards for working at the place will most likely be raised. I think raising the wage just creates a mess, I'm sorry to the people, who have live off of it but honestly most of these people didn't pursue their education and knew what they were getting into. I'm more sorry for the immigrants or people, who were essentially forced into a situation like this. For the people, who were just lazy and didn't gaf, screw them.

i aint eem

an hey....life isnt fair an nobody owes you anything.

 

[damned1]

Yes I'm sure it costs. But how much are companies really losing to train versus how much they'd be losing by upping every low skilled worker to a "living wage". I doubt A is bigger than B.

It costs a company more money to take out a 30 second commercial during the Super Bowl than it does to raise the minimum wage. But they still take out the ad and it's a drop in the bucket, they don't even flinch.

 

[damned1]

I mean, that's kind of the reality of this. What's stopping them from finding others who can do the same job and are willing to take the current rate of pay?

You should be paid on the amount of skill it takes to do your job.

This isn't a skillful job.

Or perhaps we should pay them on how back breaking the task is.
Not much skill required to dig a ditch for 8 hours outside in the hot sun. It will certainly turn you into ground beef. Let's pay them minimum wage too.

 

[blastercombo]

Or perhaps we should pay them on how back breaking the task is.
Not much skill required to dig a ditch for 8 hours outside in the hot sun. It will certainly turn you into ground beef. Let's pay them minimum wage too.

literally said the same thing. Anyone CAN, but who WILL?

 

[fontaine]

but some companies make dumb choices
and to increase profits cut costs reduce raises etc
sure it looks good on paper but if they can't make any more changes
it will just come back to haunt them (disgruntled workers leading to less sales etc)

but the CEO will still end up cashing out 

in a public company, the CEO WORKS FOR THE SHAREHOLDERS.

You think they give a damb how their shares are raised?

As long as their portfolio is appreciating, they don't care.

Of course you have agency problems, and some CEOs cutting unnecessary amount of corners for payouts, and yes, some share increases are a product of financial engineering.

I just think everyone looks at CEOs all bad.. When they're not.

Some really bring value. Its a hard damb job and not everyone can do it, which is the reason why they get paid so much.

 

[krisboyz781]

i aint eem

an hey....life isnt fair an nobody owes you anything.

Exactly so why do people feel as if McDonalds should be raised when it was clearly meant to be a part time job.

 

[krisboyz781]

You're worth more than minimum wage. The reason you see older folks settle into that job is because there aren't any other jobs. Some of these folks have degrees and have to work at McDonalds, Starbucks etc. McDonalds will never close! They have everyone hooked on their poison, people are craving that garbage. Don't sell yourself short, man. You can do way better than that. It's a tough market for jobs no doubt. But these huge corporations are making billions of dollars . A raise in the minimum wage is a drop in the bucket for them. Look at how much they spend on a 30 second commercial during the Super Bowl, and they can't afford to raise the minimum wage ? C'mon now

I disagree, there are jobs, but it's much harder work. The people, who are older and not in some supervising position usually didn't pursue education, some times they didn't even finish high school. And don't give me that BS about the education system being horrible. Tons of high schools have so many resources, but it's the students not taking advantage of them. The people, who have degrees a lot of times screwed around in college and didn't take advantage of their resources or they got a useless degree, which I see tons of college students doing. I'm not selling myself short, the only reason is work for more minimum wage is for job experience and some extra cash, I know that McDonalds isn't a place you should be working at for the majority of your life, but other people don't seem to know that. The commericals help bring business, employees are just there. They don't do any recruiting or advertising to get the company more customers, they do a crappy job preparing the food and keeping the place clean, and they're easily replaceable. So answer my question, why should the wage be raised if the workers don't even do their job correctly and are easily replaceable? Actually if it were legal, I think McDonalds would rather a whole bunch of younger people working for them, but that's discrimination against age so can't do that.

 

[damned1]

I disagree, there are jobs, but it's much harder work. The people, who are older and not in some supervising position usually didn't pursue education, some times they didn't even finish high school. And don't give me that BS about the education system being horrible. Tons of high schools have so many resources, but it's the students not taking advantage of them. The people, who have degrees a lot of times screwed around in college and didn't take advantage of their resources or they got a useless degree, which I see tons of college students doing. I'm not selling myself short, the only reason is work for more minimum wage is for job experience and some extra cash, I know that McDonalds isn't a place you should be working at for the majority of your life, but other people don't seem to know that. The commericals help bring business, employees are just there. They don't do any recruiting or advertising to get the company more customers, they do a crappy job preparing the food and keeping the place clean, and they're easily replaceable. So answer my question, why should the wage be raised if the workers don't even do their job correctly and are easily replaceable? Actually if it were legal, I think McDonalds would rather a whole bunch of younger people working for them, but that's discrimination against age so can't do that.

You're painting with a broad brush. Not all workers at that level are lazy and stupid. Not everyone is cut out to pursue a college degree. Whether it's because of intellect or financial ability. As I said before some of these folks have a COLLEGE DEGREE. They can't find any jobs . And the majority are working two jobs. Those are facts. You seem to be in a hurry to submit yourself to this abuse at your local McDonalds. You are entitled to your opinion, but regurgitating bullet points to further your position won't help. Don't take my word for it look it up for yourself. At some point you are going to be a participant and not a spectator. I understand your frustration, but be careful what you wish for, you might just get it.