As cities around the country, including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Seattle, pass or propose legislation to substantially increase the minimum wage for workers, debate has raged over the potential economic, social, and fiscal impact. Here are some of the pros and cons of raising the minimum wage:
PROS
Lifts workers out of poverty to brink of poverty
One less thing to feel shitty about when leaving Chick-fil-A
Shorter lines at pawn shops
Higher morale among workers who aren’t casualties of cost-cutting layoffs
Gets picketers out of pathway to Big Mac
Bargain compared to cost of creating actual social safety net
CONS
Workers will grow complacent and lazy if they can afford basic human needs
Still just as insulting that your boss pays you lowest amount he or she legally allowed to
Awkwardness of being served by cashiers wearing top hats and monocles
16-year-old cashier set to live like fucking king for rest of summer
Employee benefits like paid vacation, gym membership, and yoga sessions could be slashed for thousands of line cooks and convenience store clerks
Increases expense of exploiting workers
