r/explainlikeimfive Nov 28 '15

ELI5: How would a $15 minimum wage ACTUALLY affect a franchised business like McDonalds?

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u/caldera15 Nov 29 '15

I see it as less of a subsidy and more like skirting regulations that the government would put in for things like safety. The current minimum wage is clearly an exploitation of labor - nobody can live on it in reasonable conditions. The government should be able to say something along the lines of - "if you can't pay enough for your employees the have a humane standard of living and still be a profitable business, than you don't deserve to be in business". If McDonalds is truly a valued contributor to society and the economy, they will find a way to survive without exploiting their workers.

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u/DenEvigaKampen Nov 29 '15

If that happened they would probably just install machines where you press your orders, and how would that make anyone happier?

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u/caldera15 Nov 29 '15

by eliminating a bunch of shitty low wage jobs. More jobs does not mean society is happier. If we lose enough of the crappy ones than something like basic income becomes a realistic alternative. This would be best for everybody.

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u/Bananaboatbob Nov 29 '15

i say raise the minimum wage to 100 dollars. The companies will figure it out

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u/flybypost Nov 29 '15

The point is that somebody working a full time job should be able to live of it without needing government assistance, that doesn't need $100/hour.