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Thoughts on fast food minimum wage raise?

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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!

Member since 7/06

27915 total posts

Name:

Re: Thoughts on fast food minimum wage raise?

Posted by klingklang77

Posted by Hofstra26

Posted by klingklang77

Posted by Hofstra26

Make $15/hr for what???? Working in the fast food industry requires exactly NO skill, NO knowledge, NO experience, NO education, and NO expertise. I could teach my 6 yr old that job in minutes and she'd excel. I think the salary is EXACTLY on point for they type of job that it is and I think it's ridiculous to expect to make $15/hr for slinging burgers. It's a job meant for high school kids to make a few bucks or the elderly to keep busy. If you're looking for enough money to live off and support a family then working in fast food is really not where you should be looking.

ETA - JMO but I think realistically, it doesn't matter what the minimum wage rate is because it will NEVER be an amount that is enough for a "livable wage". By definition, it's the LEAST amount of money by law that one can pay someone, how can you ever expect to actually support yourself on that??



Have you ever worked a minimum wage job like this?

I don't know how you grew up, but I didn't get my college education, a car for transport, food money, clothing, etc. after I turned 18. Everything stopped after I turned 18. I didn't have to pay rent, that's it. I was barely able to live off the minimum wage I was making working in various food places. If I had to pay rent, forget it. I still wound up taking out student loans.

Elderly people? Have you seen Social Security checks these days? Yeah, it's not much.




I worked minimum wage jobs ALL through HS and college to pay for my car insurance, gas, and pocket money. However, I'm not sure I understand your point.

It's minimum wage, MINIMUM. I don't know how ANYONE could expect to EVER live off the MINIMUM amount of money one is allowed to be paid. Maybe I'm crazy but I have never considered a minimum wage job to be something where you could remotely expect to fully live off of in any capacity. A minimum wage salary will NEVER be something that can keep up with the high cost of living and inflation.

I stand by what I said, for what little skill/knowledge/experience/education is involved in ANY minimum wage job I think they are paid on point. I don't understand even paying someone $15/hr to make a burger or ring up a purchase, etc. It's mindless work that ANYONE can be trained to do in minutes. I made $6.35/hr when I was younger and working in retail and for what was expected of me, I don't even think back then I deserved more. It was a cr@p job and it paid cr@p money.



My point is that you said these jobs require no skill; therefore, they should be paid less. If people are working on developing their skills, they need to live on something while they are studying, etc. Developing those skills is not cheap.

There are people who do need to live on minimum wage. Maybe it's difficult to see that, but it's true.



I understand what you're getting at but retail/minimum wage jobs are such that ANYONE can do them, you're easily replaced, and they require little of someone in terms of skill therefore, they just don't warrant a better salary IMO.

The reality is, you just cannot survive on minimum wage in this country, the cost of living and inflation will always outpace what minimum wage work can pay.

Posted 7/27/15 10:41 AM
 
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PhyllisNJoe
My Box Is Broken

Member since 6/11

9145 total posts

Name:
Phyllis

Re: Thoughts on fast food minimum wage raise?

Posted by klingklang77

Posted by MrsB612

Posted by EatingMyVeggies

Posted by MrsB612

Posted by sameinitials

Posted by klingklang77

Posted by Pumpkin1

I think it is a great thing and I'm not sure why so many people are against it. The automated counters and price increases are just scare tactics. Working 40 hours a week at $15 is $600 before taxes, etc. While people like to think those jobs are only meant for high school students, the reality is a lot of people work those jobs to support their families and provide a service to people. Plus, Big Macs will not be $10 because no-one will pay that. People have been brainwashed by the 1% to believe that paying higher salaries will be catastrophic. Perhaps this will light a fire under employers' butts that they should share the wealth and provide their employees with raises, etc. instead of lining their own pockets.



I agree.

In response to how some workers in Seattle are refusing less hours so they can get welfare, these things take time. It is some workers and things need to be straightened out.

As for waitresses in Seattle not getting tipped-- why should they? The restaurant industry has been able to get away with not paying a large percentage of its staff for a looong time. It's about time they get paid an hourly wage and tipping goes down to 10% or so. Welcome to the rest of the world... ETA: More taxes will be generated from raising waiter minimum wages. You'd be surprised how much of tip money goes undeclared.

ETA: I don't think one job is more important than others. We are all equal and contribute to society. And yes, you can make a career at McDonald's. Restaurant Management is a starting point for many entry level graduates from Hospitality Management degrees. But where do you work while you are studying for your degree? Yes, McDonald's or some other fast food place. I think some people on this thread are forgetting that all types of people work at McDonald's. I never worked there, but I did do a restaurant management degree. I'm tired of people saying one job deserves more money because of blah, blah, blah.



I agree with all of this. I just think that people can't have it both ways - you can't say you are annoyed at having to pay increased taxes to support people on benefits (for example) but then also be annoyed when the state does something that could likely lower the number of people on benefits.



IMO, I support benefits for people that NEED it. Do you know how frustrating it is to go to a store. Watch the person ahead of me buy beers, cigarettes and other crap while paying with their EBT card and then getting into a car way nicer than mine? The 1k that came out of my paycheck goes to people like that every day. I think this is what bothers people. There are people that certainly need it. However, there are MORE that without a doubt cheat the system.

The raise may only be required for the major food companies NOW but it will only be a matter of time before it trickles down to the small mom and pop shops. Someone before made a generalization that cash business’ slave their workers, pay them poorly and live in mansions. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. It could have very well been like this a few years ago but not anymore. There are so many regulations now, that if you have 1 employee sue you for OT it can outright put you out of business. It’s not worth it anymore and that’s why there are hardly any more business’ that pay off the books. I know so many small business owners with cash only biz and they struggle to give themselves a paycheck at the end of the week.



You see people buy beers and cigs with their EBT cards?

You sure you're not just exaggerating to drive your point home?

From gov website:

You CANNOT use benefits to buy:

Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes or tobacco
Any nonfood items, such as pet foods, soaps, paper products, diapers, and household supplies
Vitamins and medicines
Food that will be eaten in the store
Hot foods



I wish I was exaggerating. I have seen it at convenience stores SO many times. Just because it's not allowed doesn't mean they comply. I've also seen people pay with it at Target while wearing $150 sneakers. An obscene amount of people cheat the system - people that 100% do not deserve or need the benefits.



I've read a few articles on people who cheat the system, and the numbers aren't as high as people believe. And you should report the convenience stores because they are a major part of the problem.

This article talks about this point. http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2013/08/just-how-wrong-is-conventional-wisdom-about-government-fraud/278690/




When living in Brooklyn, I would see people paying for their food with the EBT card wearing a fur coat and then leaving to get into their Mercedes. No exaggeration.
Still happens today - my friends who still live there get so POed.

While people like my mother, a 76 year old woman expected to live off of social security, can't get more then $50 a month of government help for food in her state.

The system is warped beyond belief when it comes to that

Posted 7/27/15 10:46 AM
 

klingklang77
kraftwerk!

Member since 7/06

11486 total posts

Name:
Völlig losgelöst

Re: Thoughts on fast food minimum wage raise?

Posted by Hofstra26

I understand what you're getting at but retail/minimum wage jobs are such that ANYONE can do them, you're easily replaced, and they require little of someone in terms of skill therefore, they just don't warrant a better salary IMO.

The reality is, you just cannot survive on minimum wage in this country, the cost of living and inflation will always outpace what minimum wage work can pay.



And they are trying to change that.

You say anyone can do that, fine whatever. I'm not really in a place to say ANYONE can do a minimum wage job because I'm sure there are people that cannot.

But what about the person that can only work a minimum wage job for life (some sort of handicap) or for a part in their life (college students for example)? A previous poster made a point about student loans, which I think is a result of the poor minimum wage.

They are trying to change the situation and people are like no for many different reasons. What is the solution?





Posted 7/27/15 10:51 AM
 

ElizaRags35
My 2 Girls

Member since 2/09

20494 total posts

Name:
Me

Re: Thoughts on fast food minimum wage raise?

Posted by PhyllisNJoe

Posted by klingklang77

Posted by MrsB612

Posted by EatingMyVeggies

Posted by MrsB612

Posted by sameinitials

Posted by klingklang77

Posted by Pumpkin1

I think it is a great thing and I'm not sure why so many people are against it. The automated counters and price increases are just scare tactics. Working 40 hours a week at $15 is $600 before taxes, etc. While people like to think those jobs are only meant for high school students, the reality is a lot of people work those jobs to support their families and provide a service to people. Plus, Big Macs will not be $10 because no-one will pay that. People have been brainwashed by the 1% to believe that paying higher salaries will be catastrophic. Perhaps this will light a fire under employers' butts that they should share the wealth and provide their employees with raises, etc. instead of lining their own pockets.



I agree.

In response to how some workers in Seattle are refusing less hours so they can get welfare, these things take time. It is some workers and things need to be straightened out.

As for waitresses in Seattle not getting tipped-- why should they? The restaurant industry has been able to get away with not paying a large percentage of its staff for a looong time. It's about time they get paid an hourly wage and tipping goes down to 10% or so. Welcome to the rest of the world... ETA: More taxes will be generated from raising waiter minimum wages. You'd be surprised how much of tip money goes undeclared.

ETA: I don't think one job is more important than others. We are all equal and contribute to society. And yes, you can make a career at McDonald's. Restaurant Management is a starting point for many entry level graduates from Hospitality Management degrees. But where do you work while you are studying for your degree? Yes, McDonald's or some other fast food place. I think some people on this thread are forgetting that all types of people work at McDonald's. I never worked there, but I did do a restaurant management degree. I'm tired of people saying one job deserves more money because of blah, blah, blah.



I agree with all of this. I just think that people can't have it both ways - you can't say you are annoyed at having to pay increased taxes to support people on benefits (for example) but then also be annoyed when the state does something that could likely lower the number of people on benefits.



IMO, I support benefits for people that NEED it. Do you know how frustrating it is to go to a store. Watch the person ahead of me buy beers, cigarettes and other crap while paying with their EBT card and then getting into a car way nicer than mine? The 1k that came out of my paycheck goes to people like that every day. I think this is what bothers people. There are people that certainly need it. However, there are MORE that without a doubt cheat the system.

The raise may only be required for the major food companies NOW but it will only be a matter of time before it trickles down to the small mom and pop shops. Someone before made a generalization that cash business’ slave their workers, pay them poorly and live in mansions. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. It could have very well been like this a few years ago but not anymore. There are so many regulations now, that if you have 1 employee sue you for OT it can outright put you out of business. It’s not worth it anymore and that’s why there are hardly any more business’ that pay off the books. I know so many small business owners with cash only biz and they struggle to give themselves a paycheck at the end of the week.



You see people buy beers and cigs with their EBT cards?

You sure you're not just exaggerating to drive your point home?

From gov website:

You CANNOT use benefits to buy:

Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes or tobacco
Any nonfood items, such as pet foods, soaps, paper products, diapers, and household supplies
Vitamins and medicines
Food that will be eaten in the store
Hot foods



I wish I was exaggerating. I have seen it at convenience stores SO many times. Just because it's not allowed doesn't mean they comply. I've also seen people pay with it at Target while wearing $150 sneakers. An obscene amount of people cheat the system - people that 100% do not deserve or need the benefits.



I've read a few articles on people who cheat the system, and the numbers aren't as high as people believe. And you should report the convenience stores because they are a major part of the problem.

This article talks about this point. http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2013/08/just-how-wrong-is-conventional-wisdom-about-government-fraud/278690/




When living in Brooklyn, I would see people paying for their food with the EBT card wearing a fur coat and then leaving to get into their Mercedes. No exaggeration.
Still happens today - my friends who still live there get so POed.

While people like my mother, a 76 year old woman expected to live off of social security, can't get more then $50 a month of government help for food in her state.

The system is warped beyond belief when it comes to that



Is it their Mercedes or a friends? Their $150 sneakers that they bought for retail or did they get them used at a garage sale, or as a gift?

My point is it's easy to judge when you don't know the person's specific situation.

Posted 7/27/15 10:51 AM
 

Seawolf
LIF Adult

Member since 3/14

1336 total posts

Name:
Scrumba

Re: Thoughts on fast food minimum wage raise?

I'm no expert on the EBT cards and what not, but I did witness myself a situation at the Pathmark in Islip not too long ago.

I guess you can take a certain amount of $$ off your EBT card in cash. Again, I don't know the ins and outs of this. The cashier told him that he could take $50 out for that week in cash, but the rest had to be used for food items. He was throwing a FIT, screaming at her (he was either drunk or high - he looked like he could have played an extra as one of Jesse's friends on Breaking Bad) but ended up taking the $50 and using it on, guess what, beer. But only $20 worth of it. The other $30 he pocketeed. I can only imagine what that went toward. Awesome. I was forced to witness the whole thing b/c there was only one cashier open, so I HAD to sit through his whole tantrum.

So, I guess although the card itself can't be used on things like beer and cigs, you can take out some cash and use it for whatever the hell you like. Great system.

Posted 7/27/15 10:52 AM
 

klingklang77
kraftwerk!

Member since 7/06

11486 total posts

Name:
Völlig losgelöst

Re: Thoughts on fast food minimum wage raise?

Posted by PhyllisNJoe

Posted by klingklang77

I've read a few articles on people who cheat the system, and the numbers aren't as high as people believe. And you should report the convenience stores because they are a major part of the problem.

This article talks about this point. http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2013/08/just-how-wrong-is-conventional-wisdom-about-government-fraud/278690/




When living in Brooklyn, I would see people paying for their food with the EBT card wearing a fur coat and then leaving to get into their Mercedes. No exaggeration.
Still happens today - my friends who still live there get so POed.

While people like my mother, a 76 year old woman expected to live off of social security, can't get more then $50 a month of government help for food in her state.

The system is warped beyond belief when it comes to that



Well, that's what you see, but according to the article there are a few statistics that state that is not the general case.

I'm sure I could find more sources, but I'm working from home the next month and I haven't done anything. The husband is coming home in an hour and I need to make it look like I did something, lol. I'll jump on later.

Posted 7/27/15 10:54 AM
 

MrsB612
LIF Adolescent

Member since 12/12

784 total posts

Name:

Re: Thoughts on fast food minimum wage raise?

Posted by ElizaRags35

Posted by PhyllisNJoe

Posted by klingklang77

Posted by MrsB612

Posted by EatingMyVeggies

Posted by MrsB612

Posted by sameinitials

Posted by klingklang77

Posted by Pumpkin1

I think it is a great thing and I'm not sure why so many people are against it. The automated counters and price increases are just scare tactics. Working 40 hours a week at $15 is $600 before taxes, etc. While people like to think those jobs are only meant for high school students, the reality is a lot of people work those jobs to support their families and provide a service to people. Plus, Big Macs will not be $10 because no-one will pay that. People have been brainwashed by the 1% to believe that paying higher salaries will be catastrophic. Perhaps this will light a fire under employers' butts that they should share the wealth and provide their employees with raises, etc. instead of lining their own pockets.



I agree.

In response to how some workers in Seattle are refusing less hours so they can get welfare, these things take time. It is some workers and things need to be straightened out.

As for waitresses in Seattle not getting tipped-- why should they? The restaurant industry has been able to get away with not paying a large percentage of its staff for a looong time. It's about time they get paid an hourly wage and tipping goes down to 10% or so. Welcome to the rest of the world... ETA: More taxes will be generated from raising waiter minimum wages. You'd be surprised how much of tip money goes undeclared.

ETA: I don't think one job is more important than others. We are all equal and contribute to society. And yes, you can make a career at McDonald's. Restaurant Management is a starting point for many entry level graduates from Hospitality Management degrees. But where do you work while you are studying for your degree? Yes, McDonald's or some other fast food place. I think some people on this thread are forgetting that all types of people work at McDonald's. I never worked there, but I did do a restaurant management degree. I'm tired of people saying one job deserves more money because of blah, blah, blah.



I agree with all of this. I just think that people can't have it both ways - you can't say you are annoyed at having to pay increased taxes to support people on benefits (for example) but then also be annoyed when the state does something that could likely lower the number of people on benefits.



IMO, I support benefits for people that NEED it. Do you know how frustrating it is to go to a store. Watch the person ahead of me buy beers, cigarettes and other crap while paying with their EBT card and then getting into a car way nicer than mine? The 1k that came out of my paycheck goes to people like that every day. I think this is what bothers people. There are people that certainly need it. However, there are MORE that without a doubt cheat the system.

The raise may only be required for the major food companies NOW but it will only be a matter of time before it trickles down to the small mom and pop shops. Someone before made a generalization that cash business’ slave their workers, pay them poorly and live in mansions. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. It could have very well been like this a few years ago but not anymore. There are so many regulations now, that if you have 1 employee sue you for OT it can outright put you out of business. It’s not worth it anymore and that’s why there are hardly any more business’ that pay off the books. I know so many small business owners with cash only biz and they struggle to give themselves a paycheck at the end of the week.



You see people buy beers and cigs with their EBT cards?

You sure you're not just exaggerating to drive your point home?

From gov website:

You CANNOT use benefits to buy:

Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes or tobacco
Any nonfood items, such as pet foods, soaps, paper products, diapers, and household supplies
Vitamins and medicines
Food that will be eaten in the store
Hot foods



I wish I was exaggerating. I have seen it at convenience stores SO many times. Just because it's not allowed doesn't mean they comply. I've also seen people pay with it at Target while wearing $150 sneakers. An obscene amount of people cheat the system - people that 100% do not deserve or need the benefits.



I've read a few articles on people who cheat the system, and the numbers aren't as high as people believe. And you should report the convenience stores because they are a major part of the problem.

This article talks about this point. http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2013/08/just-how-wrong-is-conventional-wisdom-about-government-fraud/278690/




When living in Brooklyn, I would see people paying for their food with the EBT card wearing a fur coat and then leaving to get into their Mercedes. No exaggeration.
Still happens today - my friends who still live there get so POed.

While people like my mother, a 76 year old woman expected to live off of social security, can't get more then $50 a month of government help for food in her state.

The system is warped beyond belief when it comes to that



Is it their Mercedes or a friends? Their $150 sneakers that they bought for retail or did they get them used at a garage sale, or as a gift?

My point is it's easy to judge when you don't know the person's specific situation.



I think you are being pretty naive. I know firsthand someone - not a friend - who purposely did not marry her SO. He works full time and makes a very good living. She claims she is a single mom and has no support. In turn - she gets a monthly allowance - free formula - free diapers - FREE DAYCARE for not 1 but 2 kids. This happens way more than you think and more than the government leads you to believe.

Posted 7/27/15 10:57 AM
 

Seawolf
LIF Adult

Member since 3/14

1336 total posts

Name:
Scrumba

Re: Thoughts on fast food minimum wage raise?

Yeah I have a family member (3rd cousin - we're NOT close at all) who 100% rapes the system and is proud of it. Gets free diabetes shoes (she is NOT diabetic) gets a free phone, gets medicaid, food stamps, reduced rent, basically everything. Works off the books so that she CAN get all of this stuff. She's gross. Not all ppl out there are like this, but there are certainly enough.

Posted 7/27/15 10:59 AM
 

ElizaRags35
My 2 Girls

Member since 2/09

20494 total posts

Name:
Me

Re: Thoughts on fast food minimum wage raise?

Posted by klingklang77

Posted by PhyllisNJoe

Posted by klingklang77

I've read a few articles on people who cheat the system, and the numbers aren't as high as people believe. And you should report the convenience stores because they are a major part of the problem.

This article talks about this point. http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2013/08/just-how-wrong-is-conventional-wisdom-about-government-fraud/278690/




When living in Brooklyn, I would see people paying for their food with the EBT card wearing a fur coat and then leaving to get into their Mercedes. No exaggeration.
Still happens today - my friends who still live there get so POed.

While people like my mother, a 76 year old woman expected to live off of social security, can't get more then $50 a month of government help for food in her state.

The system is warped beyond belief when it comes to that



Well, that's what you see, but according to the article there are a few statistics that state that is not the general case.

I'm sure I could find more sources, but I'm working from home the next month and I haven't done anything. The husband is coming home in an hour and I need to make it look like I did something, lol. I'll jump on later.



I was about to say the same thing. For every asshole out there who takes advantage, there are so many honest people out there who don't abuse it. You just hear about the bad ones.

My SIL was on WIC for awhile. If you saw her, her car, what she bought without using WIC checks, you'd think she was a system abuser. But no. She got WIC checks because she adopted a baby and apparently the state she lives in gives adopted families some assistance, whether it's needed or not. He will also get a free ride to a state college.

Posted 7/27/15 11:02 AM
 

mommyagain3
LIF Infant

Member since 6/15

144 total posts

Name:

Re: Thoughts on fast food minimum wage raise?

Posted by PhyllisNJoe



When living in Brooklyn, I would see people paying for their food with the EBT card wearing a fur coat and then leaving to get into their Mercedes. No exaggeration.
Still happens today - my friends who still live there get so POed.

While people like my mother, a 76 year old woman expected to live off of social security, can't get more then $50 a month of government help for food in her state.

The system is warped beyond belief when it comes to that



I was just reading an article that will give retired persons food vouchers for fresh food at Farmer's Markets. If I remember more, I will send you a FM.

Posted 7/27/15 11:04 AM
 

PhyllisNJoe
My Box Is Broken

Member since 6/11

9145 total posts

Name:
Phyllis

Re: Thoughts on fast food minimum wage raise?

Posted by ElizaRags35

Posted by PhyllisNJoe

Posted by klingklang77

Posted by MrsB612

Posted by EatingMyVeggies

Posted by MrsB612

Posted by sameinitials

Posted by klingklang77

Posted by Pumpkin1

I think it is a great thing and I'm not sure why so many people are against it. The automated counters and price increases are just scare tactics. Working 40 hours a week at $15 is $600 before taxes, etc. While people like to think those jobs are only meant for high school students, the reality is a lot of people work those jobs to support their families and provide a service to people. Plus, Big Macs will not be $10 because no-one will pay that. People have been brainwashed by the 1% to believe that paying higher salaries will be catastrophic. Perhaps this will light a fire under employers' butts that they should share the wealth and provide their employees with raises, etc. instead of lining their own pockets.



I agree.

In response to how some workers in Seattle are refusing less hours so they can get welfare, these things take time. It is some workers and things need to be straightened out.

As for waitresses in Seattle not getting tipped-- why should they? The restaurant industry has been able to get away with not paying a large percentage of its staff for a looong time. It's about time they get paid an hourly wage and tipping goes down to 10% or so. Welcome to the rest of the world... ETA: More taxes will be generated from raising waiter minimum wages. You'd be surprised how much of tip money goes undeclared.

ETA: I don't think one job is more important than others. We are all equal and contribute to society. And yes, you can make a career at McDonald's. Restaurant Management is a starting point for many entry level graduates from Hospitality Management degrees. But where do you work while you are studying for your degree? Yes, McDonald's or some other fast food place. I think some people on this thread are forgetting that all types of people work at McDonald's. I never worked there, but I did do a restaurant management degree. I'm tired of people saying one job deserves more money because of blah, blah, blah.



I agree with all of this. I just think that people can't have it both ways - you can't say you are annoyed at having to pay increased taxes to support people on benefits (for example) but then also be annoyed when the state does something that could likely lower the number of people on benefits.



IMO, I support benefits for people that NEED it. Do you know how frustrating it is to go to a store. Watch the person ahead of me buy beers, cigarettes and other crap while paying with their EBT card and then getting into a car way nicer than mine? The 1k that came out of my paycheck goes to people like that every day. I think this is what bothers people. There are people that certainly need it. However, there are MORE that without a doubt cheat the system.

The raise may only be required for the major food companies NOW but it will only be a matter of time before it trickles down to the small mom and pop shops. Someone before made a generalization that cash business’ slave their workers, pay them poorly and live in mansions. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. It could have very well been like this a few years ago but not anymore. There are so many regulations now, that if you have 1 employee sue you for OT it can outright put you out of business. It’s not worth it anymore and that’s why there are hardly any more business’ that pay off the books. I know so many small business owners with cash only biz and they struggle to give themselves a paycheck at the end of the week.



You see people buy beers and cigs with their EBT cards?

You sure you're not just exaggerating to drive your point home?

From gov website:

You CANNOT use benefits to buy:

Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes or tobacco
Any nonfood items, such as pet foods, soaps, paper products, diapers, and household supplies
Vitamins and medicines
Food that will be eaten in the store
Hot foods



I wish I was exaggerating. I have seen it at convenience stores SO many times. Just because it's not allowed doesn't mean they comply. I've also seen people pay with it at Target while wearing $150 sneakers. An obscene amount of people cheat the system - people that 100% do not deserve or need the benefits.



I've read a few articles on people who cheat the system, and the numbers aren't as high as people believe. And you should report the convenience stores because they are a major part of the problem.

This article talks about this point. http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2013/08/just-how-wrong-is-conventional-wisdom-about-government-fraud/278690/




When living in Brooklyn, I would see people paying for their food with the EBT card wearing a fur coat and then leaving to get into their Mercedes. No exaggeration.
Still happens today - my friends who still live there get so POed.

While people like my mother, a 76 year old woman expected to live off of social security, can't get more then $50 a month of government help for food in her state.

The system is warped beyond belief when it comes to that



Is it their Mercedes or a friends? Their $150 sneakers that they bought for retail or did they get them used at a garage sale, or as a gift?

My point is it's easy to judge when you don't know the person's specific situation.



Liz, I see what you are saying, but no. In this case and as per many cases I have personally witnessed, it wasn't there friends car or a faux fur, etc. The people who work the system have it down pat. And they purposely brag about it.

I have a friend who's parents came here from another country. Set up in a housing projects and had 4 kids. Both parents never worked a day in their lives, choice not to learn the language properly and the father joined a gang to make money off drugs. If it wasn't for my friend, who decided this was a terrible way to live, they would all still be there. Instead, she took 2 minimum wage jobs and joined the military. 10 years later, she saved enough money to move her entire family into a house she purchased on her own. And is now doing very well with a government job and her family is comfortable - STILL not working, but instead of living off of the government, they live off their daughter.


It exists a lot more then you think.

And then there are the elderly or disabled who get shit on every time they try and get help from the government. I see it all of the time. I saw it tons growing up poor.

Posted 7/27/15 11:09 AM
 

Kitten1929
LIF Adult

Member since 1/13

6040 total posts

Name:

Thoughts on fast food minimum wage raise?

So basically, a lot of people so flippantly dismiss and devalue other human beings mere existence because they're not worth more than minimum wage.

Keep them in poverty and ***** when they're on public assistance.

How dare these people want to live! How dare they want families and a home and food!

Posted 7/27/15 11:09 AM
 

PhyllisNJoe
My Box Is Broken

Member since 6/11

9145 total posts

Name:
Phyllis

Re: Thoughts on fast food minimum wage raise?

Posted by mommyagain3

Posted by PhyllisNJoe



When living in Brooklyn, I would see people paying for their food with the EBT card wearing a fur coat and then leaving to get into their Mercedes. No exaggeration.
Still happens today - my friends who still live there get so POed.

While people like my mother, a 76 year old woman expected to live off of social security, can't get more then $50 a month of government help for food in her state.

The system is warped beyond belief when it comes to that



I was just reading an article that will give retired persons food vouchers for fresh food at Farmer's Markets. If I remember more, I will send you a FM.



Thank you. I truly appreciate that.

As of now, I send her money whenever I have extra to help her out as much as possible. But it can be tough all around

Posted 7/27/15 11:10 AM
 

MissMeliss
Love my kids

Member since 11/08

1424 total posts

Name:

Re: Thoughts on fast food minimum wage raise?

Posted by ElizaRags35

Posted by PhyllisNJoe

Posted by klingklang77

Posted by MrsB612

Posted by EatingMyVeggies

Posted by MrsB612

Posted by sameinitials

Posted by klingklang77

Posted by Pumpkin1

I think it is a great thing and I'm not sure why so many people are against it. The automated counters and price increases are just scare tactics. Working 40 hours a week at $15 is $600 before taxes, etc. While people like to think those jobs are only meant for high school students, the reality is a lot of people work those jobs to support their families and provide a service to people. Plus, Big Macs will not be $10 because no-one will pay that. People have been brainwashed by the 1% to believe that paying higher salaries will be catastrophic. Perhaps this will light a fire under employers' butts that they should share the wealth and provide their employees with raises, etc. instead of lining their own pockets.



I agree.

In response to how some workers in Seattle are refusing less hours so they can get welfare, these things take time. It is some workers and things need to be straightened out.

As for waitresses in Seattle not getting tipped-- why should they? The restaurant industry has been able to get away with not paying a large percentage of its staff for a looong time. It's about time they get paid an hourly wage and tipping goes down to 10% or so. Welcome to the rest of the world... ETA: More taxes will be generated from raising waiter minimum wages. You'd be surprised how much of tip money goes undeclared.

ETA: I don't think one job is more important than others. We are all equal and contribute to society. And yes, you can make a career at McDonald's. Restaurant Management is a starting point for many entry level graduates from Hospitality Management degrees. But where do you work while you are studying for your degree? Yes, McDonald's or some other fast food place. I think some people on this thread are forgetting that all types of people work at McDonald's. I never worked there, but I did do a restaurant management degree. I'm tired of people saying one job deserves more money because of blah, blah, blah.



I agree with all of this. I just think that people can't have it both ways - you can't say you are annoyed at having to pay increased taxes to support people on benefits (for example) but then also be annoyed when the state does something that could likely lower the number of people on benefits.



IMO, I support benefits for people that NEED it. Do you know how frustrating it is to go to a store. Watch the person ahead of me buy beers, cigarettes and other crap while paying with their EBT card and then getting into a car way nicer than mine? The 1k that came out of my paycheck goes to people like that every day. I think this is what bothers people. There are people that certainly need it. However, there are MORE that without a doubt cheat the system.

The raise may only be required for the major food companies NOW but it will only be a matter of time before it trickles down to the small mom and pop shops. Someone before made a generalization that cash business’ slave their workers, pay them poorly and live in mansions. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. It could have very well been like this a few years ago but not anymore. There are so many regulations now, that if you have 1 employee sue you for OT it can outright put you out of business. It’s not worth it anymore and that’s why there are hardly any more business’ that pay off the books. I know so many small business owners with cash only biz and they struggle to give themselves a paycheck at the end of the week.



You see people buy beers and cigs with their EBT cards?

You sure you're not just exaggerating to drive your point home?

From gov website:

You CANNOT use benefits to buy:

Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes or tobacco
Any nonfood items, such as pet foods, soaps, paper products, diapers, and household supplies
Vitamins and medicines
Food that will be eaten in the store
Hot foods



I wish I was exaggerating. I have seen it at convenience stores SO many times. Just because it's not allowed doesn't mean they comply. I've also seen people pay with it at Target while wearing $150 sneakers. An obscene amount of people cheat the system - people that 100% do not deserve or need the benefits.



I've read a few articles on people who cheat the system, and the numbers aren't as high as people believe. And you should report the convenience stores because they are a major part of the problem.

This article talks about this point. http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2013/08/just-how-wrong-is-conventional-wisdom-about-government-fraud/278690/




When living in Brooklyn, I would see people paying for their food with the EBT card wearing a fur coat and then leaving to get into their Mercedes. No exaggeration.
Still happens today - my friends who still live there get so POed.

While people like my mother, a 76 year old woman expected to live off of social security, can't get more then $50 a month of government help for food in her state.

The system is warped beyond belief when it comes to that



Is it their Mercedes or a friends? Their $150 sneakers that they bought for retail or did they get them used at a garage sale, or as a gift?

My point is it's easy to judge when you don't know the person's specific situation.



I worked at stop and shop for years when I was younger and people would take out money all the time on their ebt cards. Often, they would take out money, and not a small amount maybe like $50-100, and then go to customer service and buy lottery, cigarette and beer. I remember them spending $100 of their "benefits" on lotto and just not believing it. Very unfair system. God knows what else they spend it on.

Posted 7/27/15 11:12 AM
 

Seawolf
LIF Adult

Member since 3/14

1336 total posts

Name:
Scrumba

Re: Thoughts on fast food minimum wage raise?

Posted by Kitten1929

So basically, a lot of people so flippantly dismiss and devalue other human beings mere existence because they're not worth more than minimum wage.

Keep them in poverty and ***** when they're on public assistance.

How dare these people want to live! How dare they want families and a home and food!




LOL you don't fly off the handle at ALL during debates.

Posted 7/27/15 11:15 AM
 

VeeJay
Love baby feet

Member since 2/09

2894 total posts

Name:

Re: Thoughts on fast food minimum wage raise?

I did not read through all of the posts, but I thought I heard on the radio that not all employees will qualify for the $15 per hour. Does anyone know if that is true?

Posted 7/27/15 11:20 AM
 

2BadSoSad
LIF Adult

Member since 8/12

6791 total posts

Name:

Re: Thoughts on fast food minimum wage raise?

It is ridiculous, Im sorry. I 99% of the time I bleeding liberal, almost a socialist but NOT on this. NOT on this.

There is NO REASON that people flipping burgers should be making the same as I was or graduates are now entering the job market at an entry level position after going to school and earning a degree. NO WAY.

You cant just have things handed to you bc you want it or "deserve it". I get that people have families and are hard workers, I do, but there is ALWAYS menial labor jobs vs professional or trained/specialty blue collar jobs that deserve that pay bc they learned a trade or a degree. Your pay level SHOULD be directly related to the skills/training/education necessary to obtain said job.

It pisses me off, it does.

Message edited 7/27/2015 11:30:41 AM.

Posted 7/27/15 11:29 AM
 

Paramount
Sweet!

Member since 7/12

4287 total posts

Name:

Re: Thoughts on fast food minimum wage raise?

In many foreign countries McDonalds pays their workers $15 an hour and have no raised any prices.

Its do-able.

By the tine the wage is $15, it wont be a "livable" wage anyway........

Posted 7/27/15 11:36 AM
 

kahlua716
3 Girls for Me!

Member since 8/07

12475 total posts

Name:
Keri

Re: Thoughts on fast food minimum wage raise?

Posted by LSP2005

Posted by Kitten1929

The world is not going to implode if fast-food workers EVENTUALLY earn $15/hour pre-tax/benefits.

I promise, we will all survive.

We need to be focusing our attention to the greedy capitalists who are (figuratively) raping their employees and our country in general. Mom and pop shops can't compete with them either, so why blame the employee? And how many people here on LIF alone know of businesses that run cash-only, pay off the books, and live in mansions all while skirting the law and treating their employees like slaves?

Forget that it's McDonald's...do people REALLY think asking for a livable wage is unrealistic? "Minimum wage" laws were created in 1938 and have fallen behind on inflation - it should be close to $11 by now. The poverty level for a single mother of 2 kids is $20,090 - that equates to $9.65 per hour, pre-tax, working 40 hours per week. Pay rent, utilities and keep food on the table - oh wait, and pay someone to watch your children too, on $9.65 per hour.

You pay people more money, they have more money to spend, keeping businesses in business.

So yes, let's definitely keep out country in poverty. It benefits the people who will never ever have to suffer it.

I don't think people would be up in arms if you said, make it 11 or even 12.50 for minimum wage across the board. I would in fact bet people would be beyond thrilled with that. But, to single out only one industry, is where I have a huge problem with it. Yes CEO pay is way to high. But if you think for one second this is coming out of their pockets, it's not. They are going to cut jobs for machines. They are going to require franchise owners to take it out of their pockets first. So it will hurt the real middle class. This is a wealth transfer from the middle class to the poor. Not the wealthy to the poor. They are going to make more poor people because more people will loose their jobs.




I agree with this.

Posted 7/27/15 11:52 AM
 

EatingMyVeggies

Member since 1/12

6667 total posts

Name:

Re: Thoughts on fast food minimum wage raise?

Posted by 2BadSoSad

It is ridiculous, Im sorry. I 99% of the time I bleeding liberal, almost a socialist but NOT on this. NOT on this.

There is NO REASON that people flipping burgers should be making the same as I was or graduates are now entering the job market at an entry level position after going to school and earning a degree. NO WAY.

You cant just have things handed to you bc you want it or "deserve it". I get that people have families and are hard workers, I do, but there is ALWAYS menial labor jobs vs professional or trained/specialty blue collar jobs that deserve that pay bc they learned a trade or a degree. Your pay level SHOULD be directly related to the skills/training/education necessary to obtain said job.

It pisses me off, it does.



But if employers are paying new grads the same wage as a fast food worker, isn't that an issue?

I don't
Think new grads should be paid only $15 to start. Do you ? (Not just you, general question)

Posted 7/27/15 12:01 PM
 

jellybean78
:)

Member since 8/06

13103 total posts

Name:
Mommy

Re: Thoughts on fast food minimum wage raise?

Posted by MrsB612

Posted by ElizaRags35

Posted by PhyllisNJoe

Posted by klingklang77

Posted by MrsB612

Posted by EatingMyVeggies

Posted by MrsB612

Posted by sameinitials

Posted by klingklang77

Posted by Pumpkin1

I think it is a great thing and I'm not sure why so many people are against it. The automated counters and price increases are just scare tactics. Working 40 hours a week at $15 is $600 before taxes, etc. While people like to think those jobs are only meant for high school students, the reality is a lot of people work those jobs to support their families and provide a service to people. Plus, Big Macs will not be $10 because no-one will pay that. People have been brainwashed by the 1% to believe that paying higher salaries will be catastrophic. Perhaps this will light a fire under employers' butts that they should share the wealth and provide their employees with raises, etc. instead of lining their own pockets.



I agree.

In response to how some workers in Seattle are refusing less hours so they can get welfare, these things take time. It is some workers and things need to be straightened out.

As for waitresses in Seattle not getting tipped-- why should they? The restaurant industry has been able to get away with not paying a large percentage of its staff for a looong time. It's about time they get paid an hourly wage and tipping goes down to 10% or so. Welcome to the rest of the world... ETA: More taxes will be generated from raising waiter minimum wages. You'd be surprised how much of tip money goes undeclared.

ETA: I don't think one job is more important than others. We are all equal and contribute to society. And yes, you can make a career at McDonald's. Restaurant Management is a starting point for many entry level graduates from Hospitality Management degrees. But where do you work while you are studying for your degree? Yes, McDonald's or some other fast food place. I think some people on this thread are forgetting that all types of people work at McDonald's. I never worked there, but I did do a restaurant management degree. I'm tired of people saying one job deserves more money because of blah, blah, blah.



I agree with all of this. I just think that people can't have it both ways - you can't say you are annoyed at having to pay increased taxes to support people on benefits (for example) but then also be annoyed when the state does something that could likely lower the number of people on benefits.



IMO, I support benefits for people that NEED it. Do you know how frustrating it is to go to a store. Watch the person ahead of me buy beers, cigarettes and other crap while paying with their EBT card and then getting into a car way nicer than mine? The 1k that came out of my paycheck goes to people like that every day. I think this is what bothers people. There are people that certainly need it. However, there are MORE that without a doubt cheat the system.

The raise may only be required for the major food companies NOW but it will only be a matter of time before it trickles down to the small mom and pop shops. Someone before made a generalization that cash business’ slave their workers, pay them poorly and live in mansions. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. It could have very well been like this a few years ago but not anymore. There are so many regulations now, that if you have 1 employee sue you for OT it can outright put you out of business. It’s not worth it anymore and that’s why there are hardly any more business’ that pay off the books. I know so many small business owners with cash only biz and they struggle to give themselves a paycheck at the end of the week.



You see people buy beers and cigs with their EBT cards?

You sure you're not just exaggerating to drive your point home?

From gov website:

You CANNOT use benefits to buy:

Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes or tobacco
Any nonfood items, such as pet foods, soaps, paper products, diapers, and household supplies
Vitamins and medicines
Food that will be eaten in the store
Hot foods



I wish I was exaggerating. I have seen it at convenience stores SO many times. Just because it's not allowed doesn't mean they comply. I've also seen people pay with it at Target while wearing $150 sneakers. An obscene amount of people cheat the system - people that 100% do not deserve or need the benefits.



I've read a few articles on people who cheat the system, and the numbers aren't as high as people believe. And you should report the convenience stores because they are a major part of the problem.

This article talks about this point. http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2013/08/just-how-wrong-is-conventional-wisdom-about-government-fraud/278690/




When living in Brooklyn, I would see people paying for their food with the EBT card wearing a fur coat and then leaving to get into their Mercedes. No exaggeration.
Still happens today - my friends who still live there get so POed.

While people like my mother, a 76 year old woman expected to live off of social security, can't get more then $50 a month of government help for food in her state.

The system is warped beyond belief when it comes to that



Is it their Mercedes or a friends? Their $150 sneakers that they bought for retail or did they get them used at a garage sale, or as a gift?

My point is it's easy to judge when you don't know the person's specific situation.



I think you are being pretty naive. I know firsthand someone - not a friend - who purposely did not marry her SO. He works full time and makes a very good living. She claims she is a single mom and has no support. In turn - she gets a monthly allowance - free formula - free diapers - FREE DAYCARE for not 1 but 2 kids. This happens way more than you think and more than the government leads you to believe.




Yup this happens WAY more often than people think.

I know someone who has 2 kids doesn't and want to get married because her section 8 will go away and she'll lose her food stamps. Because she lives with her SO and he makes good $$ they are able to do and buy a lot of things DH and I can't because we don't get section 8 and food stamps.

Plus I can't tell you how often I see people go into the grocery store, cart loaded full of groceries, pay with their EBT cards that come out of their authentic LV standing next to their kids who are wearing the latest Jordans. There is LOTs of abuse of the system

Don't kid yourself..there are the ones who truly want to work and make an honest living but there are also a shit ton of people content getting by on government assistance and have no plan on changing that.

Message edited 7/27/2015 12:05:07 PM.

Posted 7/27/15 12:04 PM
 

2BadSoSad
LIF Adult

Member since 8/12

6791 total posts

Name:

Re: Thoughts on fast food minimum wage raise?

Posted by EatingMyVeggies

Posted by 2BadSoSad

It is ridiculous, Im sorry. I 99% of the time I bleeding liberal, almost a socialist but NOT on this. NOT on this.

There is NO REASON that people flipping burgers should be making the same as I was or graduates are now entering the job market at an entry level position after going to school and earning a degree. NO WAY.

You cant just have things handed to you bc you want it or "deserve it". I get that people have families and are hard workers, I do, but there is ALWAYS menial labor jobs vs professional or trained/specialty blue collar jobs that deserve that pay bc they learned a trade or a degree. Your pay level SHOULD be directly related to the skills/training/education necessary to obtain said job.

It pisses me off, it does.



But if employers are paying new grads the same wage as a fast food worker, isn't that an issue?

I don't
Think new grads should be paid only $15 to start. Do you ? (Not just you, general question)



Not really, I think its a reasonable rate for your first job out of college. It is an ENTRY LEVEL position and your salary will increase with experience as it should. I find the problem still that fast food workers are paid the same.

Posted 7/27/15 12:08 PM
 

2BadSoSad
LIF Adult

Member since 8/12

6791 total posts

Name:

Re: Thoughts on fast food minimum wage raise?

Can we start a new thread on system abuse, or just refer back to the one of 700 other threads we have had on the issue.

Posted 7/27/15 12:10 PM
 

BunnyWife
Insert Witty Comment Here

Member since 5/07

8274 total posts

Name:
BunnyWife

Re: Thoughts on fast food minimum wage raise?

Posted by 2BadSoSad

It is ridiculous, Im sorry. I 99% of the time I bleeding liberal, almost a socialist but NOT on this. NOT on this.

There is NO REASON that people flipping burgers should be making the same as I was or graduates are now entering the job market at an entry level position after going to school and earning a degree. NO WAY.

You cant just have things handed to you bc you want it or "deserve it". I get that people have families and are hard workers, I do, but there is ALWAYS menial labor jobs vs professional or trained/specialty blue collar jobs that deserve that pay bc they learned a trade or a degree. Your pay level SHOULD be directly related to the skills/training/education necessary to obtain said job.

It pisses me off, it does.



What if these people are just not able to get a better job? What f they don't have the brains or money to attend college or technical school? Should they be forced to live on the margins of society because they aren't as lucky as you or I?
Also, why are we demonizing low skilled workers? Why should we be supplementing their salaries with welfare and what not because CEO's don't want to piss of their shareholders?

Posted 7/27/15 12:38 PM
 

2BadSoSad
LIF Adult

Member since 8/12

6791 total posts

Name:

Re: Thoughts on fast food minimum wage raise?

Posted by BunnyWife

Posted by 2BadSoSad

It is ridiculous, Im sorry. I 99% of the time I bleeding liberal, almost a socialist but NOT on this. NOT on this.

There is NO REASON that people flipping burgers should be making the same as I was or graduates are now entering the job market at an entry level position after going to school and earning a degree. NO WAY.

You cant just have things handed to you bc you want it or "deserve it". I get that people have families and are hard workers, I do, but there is ALWAYS menial labor jobs vs professional or trained/specialty blue collar jobs that deserve that pay bc they learned a trade or a degree. Your pay level SHOULD be directly related to the skills/training/education necessary to obtain said job.

It pisses me off, it does.



What if these people are just not able to get a better job? What f they don't have the brains or money to attend college or technical school? Should they be forced to live on the margins of society because they aren't as lucky as you or I?
Also, why are we demonizing low skilled workers? Why should we be supplementing their salaries with welfare and what not because CEO's don't want to piss of their shareholders?



Thats how it works, just bc you cant for whatever reason doesnt make you entitled to make the same as a college grad working a job that requires no skill or education, it just doesnt.

Posted 7/27/15 12:40 PM
 
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