Lately Seattle made waves by implementing a minimum wage law that will give the city the highest minimum wage in the nation.
The intentions are sincere – the law is cruel.
Meet the robot replacement that will be “hired.”
Research is picking up for such automated replacements for fast food employees — doubtless spurred on by the current massive proposed increases in the minimum wage (and all the related costs tied to wage — social security, workers comp, unemployment compensation, etc.)
There is compensation beyond wages – and by raising the threshold to entry, Seattle is providing a disservice to its residents.
Ultimately automation can mean shorter work weeks and more leisure time – as long as the profits from it aren’t concentrated in the hands of the owners/wealthiest.
as long as the profits from it aren’t concentrated in the hands of the owners/wealthiest.
Well, as we need fewer man hours to operate a restaurant, there will be fewer people being paid. So, if a restaurant took in $100 an hour but paid wages of 50 before automation it may take in $100 and pay out wages of 40 after.
That ten will go in part to purchase the machine/technology or to the maintenance thereof, but it will mostly go to the pockets of the owners.
Further, and more devastating, the 17 year old kid loses out on his job/hours and all the On The JOb Training that is so critical to future earning.
The nobility of the pro-minimum wage crowd is undisputed. I just simply feel that it punishes those most requiring help.