Debate is passionate on both sides of the argument concerning whether for some jobs categories, if a $15 minimum wage is warranted or is excessive and punitive to owners!
And nowhere is this divide in opinion over a $15 and hour minimum wage greater than in the fast food industry.
Owners claim that the spike in payroll expense will cost jobs and that these positions are not meant to be anything beyond a stepping-stone in careers.
On the other side of the argument are the cries for these entry level positions to provide a ‘living wage’ for employees.
Anecdotally, if the recent stories concerning automation in the the lower-end restaurants come to fruition, the business owners may be right.
‘Panera Bread (PNRA) is the latest chain to introduce automated service, announcing in April that it plans to bring self-service ordering kiosks as well as a mobile ordering option to all its locations within the next three years. The news follows moves from Chili’s and Applebee’s to place tablets on their tables, allowing diners to order and pay without interacting with human wait staff at all.
In a widely cited paper released last year, University of Oxford researchers estimated that there is a 92% chance that fast-food preparation and serving will be automated in the coming decades.‘ (CNN)
All of that said, does the picture below that has gone viral on the internet offer the greatest example of all that for some employees, being paid $15 an hour for the experience and attention to detail that they bring to the table is unwarranted?
You be the judge!
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Article author Michael Haltman is the President of Hallmark Abstract Service in New York.
HAS is a provider of title insurance in New York State for residential and commercial real estate transactions.
For anyone either buying or refinancing a property your attorney will likely recommend a title insurance provider, although you always have the right to choose your own (click here to learn more)!
If you have any questions you can reach Michael by email at mhaltman@hallmarkabstractllc.com.
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