fbpx

The $15 Minimum Wage Paradox

Take out order waitress in a fast food restaurantRaising the minimum wage to $15 an hour would inject about $450 billion into the US economy each year.  However, we have a problem.  I can invest in technology that not only serves beer (checkout pourmybeer.com) for much less than a human, but also creates a new social experience for beer consumers. This does not eliminate the “bartender experience” however it does change the job description and hiring practices. The bartender must now tend to customers because it is no longer necessary to serve drinks.

In a recent article by Mark Clifton for buzzpo.com,

“McDonald’s owner Chris Habiger announced that the burger chain will now explore the beginnings of what will most likely become an “employee-free restaurant” to make it easier for customers to order. But efficiency is not all the kiosks bring to the table.”

“CEO of Hardee’s and fellow fast food giant Carl’s Jr, Andy Pudzer, shares Habiger’s sentiment, saying moving from people to technology is the future of the fast food sector.”

Technology doesn’t require healthcare.  Technology doesn’t call in sick.  Technology never bitches.

However, technology does require engineers, skilled technicians, certified maintenance specialist, operators, salesmen, researchers, etc.  If you want to improve your life before 2020, I highly recommend you get an education.  Your $15 minimum wage for low skilled labor will never see a sustainable light of day.

Sorry for the bad news.

Author: John Rector

John Rector is a highly accomplished entrepreneur and consultant with a successful track record in multiple industries. He is a former IBM executive who co-founded the globally recognized companies e2open and Social Media Target. He is also a co-owner of Rainbow Packaging Corporation and the owner of Mind Media Group. John not only operates his own businesses, but also provides implementation services for other companies and teaches courses in art and AI at his Mt. Pleasant, SC office. He offers customized consulting services on an hourly or monthly basis and is available for in-person meetings at his Charleston, SC office, or over the phone. To schedule a consultation, simply purchase an hour of his time using the button on the "Pay Online" menu option.

2 thoughts on “The $15 Minimum Wage Paradox

  1. jsrector says:

    Reblogged this on John Rector and commented:

    our unemployment rate in the USA is close to 23% by a few estimates. That’s a huge number

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

%d bloggers like this: