A $15 Minimum Wage

Written by

Bob Zielonka - December 2, 2020

As we approach 10 years since the national “Fight for $15” movement took shape, it’s important we take a moment to consider whether or not a $15 minimum wage is enough in 2020 and beyond.

While it’s obvious that $7.25 is a poverty wage, we’ve been fighting for $15 for so long that it’s quickly becoming less than what most Americans need to survive and prosper (because let’s face it, “surviving” is not what living is supposed to be about).

According to the US Department of Labor website, the minimum wage in 1980 was $3.35. Using UsInflationCalculator.com, if it had kept up with inflation it would currently be $26.30 per hour. A full $11 difference from the $15 we’ve been fighting for. Instead of a nearly $23 increase, it's only slightly more than doubled in 40 years. How can we possibly expect people to live with dignity and self-worth when the minimum wage has increased so much slower than inflation?

What should be on the table from leftists and progressives is an immediate $20 Federal Minimum wage tied to inflation moving forward. This takes off the table small incremental and insulting raises of $0.05 or $0.10 notoriously given by retail and fast-food companies to low wage employees.

In this instance, if the new minimum wage is $20, and inflation in 2021 is 3%, the new federal minimum wage starting in 2022 would be $20.60. This way the working class would never again be left behind by a federal government that is more concerned with tax cuts for millionaires and big business than it is the people they supposedly represent.

The new starting rate would equal $41,600. In two adult households, starting at $80k+ would allow parents to afford childcare, necessary medication, and the ability to take mental health days and vacations to increase overall physical and mental health.

According to a Capital One and The Decision Lab survey, 77% of adults responded that they have anxiety about their finances, and 25% of respondents noted that they worry about money “all the time.” According to an article published October 12th, 2018 on the Medical News Today website, long term stress can cause heart disease, high blood pressure, respiratory infections, depression, anxiety disorders, and more.

Let’s stop making people work two or even three jobs to support themselves or their families. By raising the minimum wage to a truly livable wage, and tying it to inflation, millions of Americans would be happier and healthier.

Resources:

Department of Labor Page: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/minimum-wage/history/chart

Inflation Calculator: https://www.usinflationcalculator.com/

Money Stress: https://www.cnbc.com/select/how-to-take-control-of-your-finances/

Medical News Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323324#chronic-stress

Editor Reflection

TJ Hyland - December 3, 2020

Bob brings up a great point here. I recall back in 2004 people were talking about the $15 minimum wage on a local level, and it took a few more years for it to hit the national stage. The talking points here are critical for starting a new conversation. Our government body waited too long to act and now that amount is outdated. If we don’t want to have the conversation about increasing the minimum wage, then I would suggest let’s have another conversation about Universal Basic Income to help ease the burden on smaller employers that can’t afford to pay livable wages.

Let’s talk about Universal Basic Income that is a livable wage so we can end poverty and homelessness and maintain our economy when the private sector fails, as it does about every 10 to 15 years. Let’s talk about Universal Basic Income in conjunction with Universal Healthcare so we never have to worry about our elderly parents or anyone going hungry, homeless, or without medical care ever again.

I’m sick of hearing about people’s grandparents running out of money to help cover the cost of their geriatric care. If they want capitalism to survive, they’re going to need to talk to us about letting go of a couple of things from their firm grip of privatization. The things that we all need and they don’t want us to have unless we can afford to pay massive premiums are inhumane and it’s time to reclaim what’s ours. Our human rights.

School is our right, shelter is our right, food is our right, clean water and air is our right, household utilities are our rights, and medical care is our right so all humans can have equal opportunity for the pursuit of happiness, and a life of dignity and comfort.

Don’t stop pushing.