I've been reading with interest the battle around the world for restaurant workers to earn a decent wage. It really reveals the difference between the national viewpoints when it comes to the idea of 'what is a living salary' and 'what is expected from the state in the social contract with its citizens'.
In North America it seems as if we've bought into this notion that if workers were paid a decent salary business will all fail. Yet we know that is not the case. When the minimum wage was recently raised in Ontario everyone cried that it would harm the economy - yet the opposite happened and the economy picked up steam, as it were.
In Europe restaurant workers are paid a living salary, have access to pensions, benefits, etc which is why you don't tip the way you would at home; serversdo not rely upon tips in orderto survive.With all of that you don't see restaurants floundering across the continent.
It seems to reinforce the notion that if people are paid better they have more disposable income their subsequent economy has a positive impact upon the economy.
This pic making the rounds on facebook reveals more about the situation in Europe . . .
I was shocked to read that in New Mexico servers earn $2.13 an hour and this amount has not increased in 22 years! It is no wonder that so many restaurant workers must rely upon food stamps, and other subsidies in order to survive.
I don't frequent fast food restaurants much any more but if I did I'd have no problem paying a bit more so people can afford to live!
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