Minimum wage and new reality of it

[bobm]

Well folks ... with the increase of the minimum wage , the houseing rents and sale prices for homes are on the rise to record levels in the PNW . Then the construction trades are in a race to outdo themselves in wage hikes . We are now in need of a floor tile contractor to install our kitchen tile floor since I have to provide my wife with around the clock full time care and I am now totally exhausted from lack of sleep. To date, we now have 2 flooring contractors bail out of an agreement to install the tile floors ... the first one 2 weeks ago because his crew left him for another contractor since they were offered $3.75 / hr. more. The 2nd contractor wanted TWICE as much as he first agreed to and since half of his crew quit him for an increase of $4.25/hr. He now can't do the work untill late Aug. and match the hourly wage for the rest of his crew or loose them. I called contractors in Portland, Ore. in addition to Vancouver, Wa. and I get the same song and dance. In addition, they would do an installation, but I have to wait to late Aug. or into Sept. with NO guarantee of a contract price but price to be determined at the time of installation tied to cost of labor wages. A couple contractors said that the increase in labor wages are increaseing from $2 to $5 / hr. at the rate every week or loose their installers to competing contractors. However , all is not lost just for this one and only instance... Our RE agent ( who sold our house to us ) , her son is a General contractor in Salem Ore. called her son who offered one of his floor tile installers to install our kitchen tile floor in one or two weeks from now on a weekend at only TWICE the price that I had a cotract for just a week ago. NOT . In effect, I get a pay CUT at the worst time possible.

 

[Nyboy]

Wow Bob feel bad for you. Your getting hit every time you turn around.

 

[Smart Red]

Sounds absolutely terrible, bobm!

My internet has been acting irrationally lately so I haven't kept up on all the threads. I knew your wife had her time in the hospital with her emergency, but I hadn't heard anything since. That's where I'm going next if the internet gods approve.

 

[seedcorn]

Minimum wage controversy depends upon which side you are on. Tough to do a 40 hour job and can't pay bills. On other hand, do teens deserve a decent living salary for "Welcome to McDonalds"

 

[baymule]

Skilled labor usually doesn't work for minimum wage anyway. Are these American citizens or illegals that work "cheaper" taking American's jobs? sorry, just had to throw that in there..... Nothing like idiots in charge of government....do they really think this will make everything better? Better for whom? As minimum wages rise, skilled labor wages rise also. After all, skilled labor can't be on par with unskilled labor. Gheesh.

 

[so lucky]

I have always thought there should be a "starter wage" for teens and other people who have never worked at a paying job before. Maybe just for 3 months. By then the boss would know if they are worth keeping, for more money.
I wouldn't think a person would work at a minimum wage job for years and years if they had any choice.

 

[seedcorn]

@so lucky Here, our better jobs make you work for 3+ months as temporary help before offered a full time position.

Some jobs (fast food, true part time jobs) should be allowed a variance from minimum wage. Too many jobs here get around minimum wage and health insurance by sub contracting jobs out to individuals. One pair sent to my house, couldn't speak English-had problems. Second job, requested that they could speak English as I have no second language abilities unless taco or gyro qualify....

 

[thistlebloom]

The minimum wage will always be just that, minimum wage. Everything else follows with raised prices to cover the higher expense of doing business. Those on minimum wage will still just be getting by because all of their costs go up too.

 

[seedcorn]

All minimum wage does is drive profit driven people to poverty countries. Where they are seen as hero's bringing jobs. Meanwhile they are killing USA.

 

[Nyboy]

what is minimum wage now