[Number 10 GI]

Yesterday the wife and I stopped for lunch at Outback Steakhouse. I noticed a lack of staff, the greeter who was also bussing tables, the manager, and maybe 2 servers. It took quite awhile for our order to be brought to the table. Overheard the manager talking with another customer, I think they knew each other, and he was saying that he needed 30 new employees but couldn't get anyone to apply. He said that all the restaurants in the area had help wanted signs out and I've noticed that myself and not just at restaurants. When the government just willy nilly hands out enhanced unemployment money why work.

[Topspinmo]

Why would anybody want low paying job when they can collect more in unemployment, party, and don’t have to to work? Probably won’t get any help till about 93 weeks and that’s if it’s not extended?

[tophcfa]

I have a good friend who owns a restaurant up north. When he reopened, after being forced to shut down because of the pandemic, his employees wouldn’t come back to work. Why work when they can earn as much or more doing nothing? The government is creating a disincentive for low wage earners to work. And with legislation to raise the minimum wage to $15/hr., my friends already razor slim profit margins will evaporate. Because of that his business is for sale, but there are no buyers. He will most likely be forced to simply close down a family dinner that has been in business for over 100 years and multiple generations. Very sad.

[Vikingjunior]

Originally Posted by tophcfa

I have a good friend who owns a restaurant up north. When he reopened, after being forced to shut down because of the pandemic, his employees wouldn’t come back to work. Why work when they can earn as much or more doing nothing? The government is creating a disincentive for low wage earners to work. And with legislation to raise the minimum wage to $15/hr., my friends already razor slim profit margins will evaporate. Because of that his business is for sale, but there are no buyers. He will most likely be forced to simply close down a family dinner that has been in business for over 100 years and multiple generations. Very sad.

The legislation to raise minimum wage to $15 was shot down already during the last stimulus package.

Part of the problem is Florida's minimum wage is $8.64 per hour. I don't blame people who make minimum wage to sit home and collect the federal government's extra $300 on top of their base unemployment pay.

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by Vikingjunior

The legislation to raise minimum wage to $15 was shot down already during the last stimulus package.

Part of the problem is Florida's minimum wage is $8.64 per hour. I don't blame people who make minimum wage to sit home and collect the federal government's extra $300 on top of their base unemployment pay.

When tips are added into a servers pay they can do well.

Sad when the govt would rather borrow money than to work out a plan to get people back to work.

[Art cov]

This could be the death of many small businesses. I personally know of no one who makes minimum wage. Maybe high school kids who are starting out do. If someone can pass a drug test, and actually do something that’s profitable for business, they should be getting a job for over $10 to only go up if they are a descent employee. At this time, the government is paying about $15 an hour for people to stay at home. Some states are $275 and another $300 with state and federal. $575 to stay home every week. So in some minds, why work for $575 a week. Plus stimulus money. Horrible situation in America. Jobs are everywhere and good jobs in many areas of the country to pay $15-$20 an hour to start and raises when one is proven. Showing up on time and actually working without a bunch of drama is the key. Even fed ex, ups, and many others need workers, but earning a check and not wanting one for nothing years ago was the norm, but not today. I can only appreciate a good hard working person

[Tmarkwald]

Originally Posted by Vikingjunior

The legislation to raise minimum wage to $15 was shot down already during the last stimulus package.

Part of the problem is Florida's minimum wage is $8.64 per hour. I don't blame people who make minimum wage to sit home and collect the federal government's extra $300 on top of their base unemployment pay.

I stopped in the McDonalds on 466 yesterday. First thing you see is a huge sign saying 'STARTING PAY $13 /hr"

Nobody is applying. $300/wk free money PLUS normal unemployment amount based on last lob, most likely taxfree, versus a full timer working for $520 a week, minus taxes.. Who's going to want to go back to work.

Basically, the entire country is on welfare. Take away that safety net of free money and they'll find a job very fast. Just hate people too lazy and expect the rest of us to support them.

[thevillages2013]

Originally Posted by Vikingjunior

The legislation to raise minimum wage to $15 was shot down already during the last stimulus package.

Part of the problem is Florida's minimum wage is $8.64 per hour. I don't blame people who make minimum wage to sit home and collect the federal government's extra $300 on top of their base unemployment pay.

The amendment in Florida to increase the minimum wage passed although I voted against it. It will go up gradually and top out at $15 /hr in 2025 if memory serves. I think there is a cost of living increase after it reaches the $15

[tsmall22204]

Isn't America great. The lower middle class has an advantage that the upper middle class never had and they can't stand it. Be concerned for our people not how .ugh the government gives them, they deserve it.

[billyb1950]

Originally Posted by Vikingjunior

The legislation to raise minimum wage to $15 was shot down already during the last stimulus package.

Part of the problem is Florida's minimum wage is $8.64 per hour. I don't blame people who make minimum wage to sit home and collect the federal government's extra $300 on top of their base unemployment pay.

Any state's minimum wage has little if anything to do with job vacancies. Businesses will fill positions independent of those minimum wages by offering more $$ to hire and retain quality employees. The minimum wage may be $8.64 but the real question is: what is the average market hourly wage across the state? I imagine it's more than minimum. In my personal opinion, three things are missing: work ethic, the value of work to the human condition, and pride. All seem to be woefully missing in the younger generation and if Uncle Sam keeps handing out our tax money to these folks, it will continue.

[maggie1]

Originally Posted by Topspinmo

Why would anybody want low paying job when they can collect more in unemployment, party, and don’t have to to work? Probably won’t get any help till about 93 weeks and that’s if it’s not extended?

It seems as though some of our citizens are not as satisfied to stay at home and collect free money. The unemployment rate has fallen to 6%. Let us all be a little more positive in our future; this pandemic has caused much more than death totals, it has divided us as a nation, and continues to do so. We will survive.

[nick demis]

Originally Posted by tsmall22204

Isn't America great. The lower middle class has an advantage that the upper middle class never had and they can't stand it. Be concerned for our people not how .ugh the government gives them, they deserve it.

So are you in favor of someone saying "I won't get a job because you pay me more to not work"?
When I was a kid, I got a very low paying job as an introduction into the work force. I advanced to finally owning my own business with a high pay. I never thought an intro job was supposed to be a career.
Guess I am just old fashion.

[gemini5001]

I agree with you 100%. You are absolutely right.
You hit the nail right on the head on that one. Wake up America !

[J1ceasar]

In this part of Florida the overriding reason for wages to be what they are or what the large entertainment companies are paying, basically Disney and universal set the wage scales. Everyone else has to match what their wages are or people will work for Disney and universal. There is no economic slump as they were plenty of jobs to go around that people simply are not taking. If you look at the advertisements for jobs there are hundreds of well-paying jobs for truck drivers that will literally pay you a $5,000 bonus and 100,000 a year to drive just the truck, there are thousands of sales jobs and there are tens of thousands of jobs for restaurants that are reopening which might have a very low hourly wage generally have good tips. The problem with the extra money on top of unemployment is the same problem Russia had when you screw around with your basic economy by mandating wages or creating restrictive laws, or giving out free money, there are many unintended consequences

[FromNY]

Maybe the government can clean up the immigrants .Put them to work in the restaurants and businesses that need help. The government can subsidize the business initially by providing assistance to get the immigrants housed and taught English. The business would create a loyal work force and the immigrants would not become a financial burden to this country. Most would be grateful for an opportunity to work and learn and live with the basics. As for the out of work collecting $$ . No more extensions. Don't want to work because income would be lower then government assistance? Well something vs nothing might motivate? Now take a job and maybe the government will find a way to still help out .