The article in the url below provides some balance to the debate and industrial action over minimum wages in the fast-food industry that is currently ongoing here in the US:
“The first job held by nearly one in three Americans is in the restaurant industry.”
“Nine out of 10 salaried restaurant employees start off in hourly positions.”
“… only 5% of the 10 million restaurant employees earn the minimum wage.”
“According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 71% of minimum-wage employees in the restaurant industry are under the age of 25; 47% are teenagers.”
“Most industry workers, some 57%, are students with irregular schedules, teenagers saving for school or people who need a job with flexible hours that fit their busy lives.”
In short:
“Part-time, entry-level work fills a critical need in the nation's workforce.”
Happy Labor Day!
David
David Chandler & Bill Werther
‘McWages’ Can Be a Path to the Middle Class
By Phil Hickey
August 29, 2013
The Wall Street Journal
Late Edition – Final
A13
