Fast-food workers have been getting paid $9 an hour for what seems like ages. Some may argue that they deserve a raise; however, increasing a fast-food worker's income might do more harm than good. Fast-food jobs are low productivity positions, minimum wage workers are better paid than the average Mexican, and higher wages would severely hurt the economy. This essay will outline why fast-food workers should not have an increased income.
Despite what many believe, fast food jobs require little to no experience to get hired. Fast food jobs were not designed to be full-time. It’s a starter job anyone can do to make some extra money. Eventually, you haft to build away from this type of work and do something else. Use the money to go to expand and help build a better future. Start a business, go to college, or even invest. The fact of the matter is “fast-food jobs are relatively low productivity positions, typically filled with inexperienced workers” and you need to find a new job eventually.
Many people argue that fast food franchises underpay their employees; however, fast food employees are better paid than the average worker in Mexico. A Mexican that paints walls builds houses, and uses dangerous heavy equipment is getting less per hour than a fast-food worker at McDonalds. “Not even the most liberal states have anywhere close to $15 minimum wage jobs.” The average Mexican is making around $19,920 a year while the average American makes well over $30,000. This alone shows how much we Americans are truly spoiled with great jobs.
It is true that fast food employees are hard workers; however, higher wages could hurt the economy. Doubling the wage at McDonalds would raise its food prices by 25%, ultimately driving customers away. This would eliminate hundreds of thousands of entry-level jobs, making the unemployment rate shoot up, causing the economy to collapse. American Samoa is a perfect example of what would happen if the higher wage movement prevailed. “In 2007 Congress applied the U.S. minimum wage to Samoa. For the tiny Pacific Ocean nation, this was the economic equivalent of $20 an hour. It did not boost purchasing power, increase the demand for goods and services or improve the way people live. Instead, unemployment septupled to more than 35%. The Samoan economy collapsed.” One citizen of American Samoa stated “Our job market is being torched. Our businesses are being depressed. Our hope for growth has been driven away. How much does our government expect us to suffer?”
In conclusion, increasing a fast-food worker's income might do more harm than good. Fast-food jobs are low productivity positions, minimum wage workers are getting more income than the average Mexican, and higher wages would hurt the country as a whole. Thank you so much for reading all the way to the end. Make sure to leave a clap and if you have something to say, feel free to comment. Have an amazing day my friend!