To truly comprehend the state of the average American worker, we must compare it to other developed countries, and the conditions they set on their citizens. It is easy to disregard the irregularity of one’s own country, if no outside perspective is sought. Although, the United States is home to the highest GDP in the world, it is outranked by several other countries in its minimum wage. That alone should spark, at the very least, a concern for the circulation of currency in the US.
In This country has the best minimum wage in the world, Alanna Petroff helps convey the differences between countries with a graph of the top ten national minimum wages in the world. The US is not a part of these top ten. However, the graph converts the currency to US dollars, for the sake of comprehension. Also, the publisher makes note of some leading countries who are not included in the graph despite being some of the higher ranking developed countries,
Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Austria, Switzerland and Italy were not included in this OECD list because these nations do not have federal rules on minimum wages. However, many of these nations are known for paying relatively high wages because of the strength of worker unions. (Provided in Notes when the image is clicked)
Disregarding the advancements of other countries can only result in what I consider to be the fall in the American economy.
Raising the minimum wage does not necessarily have to be raised from $7.25 to a straight $15. I am aware that such a leap is too far of a leap, for many reasons. There needs to be consideration for those who are not for this change; there needs to be compromise. A steady growth towards the optimum wage for both the minimum wage worker, and the US economy, is what would be ideal.
We cannot chalk up inflation as the main reason to not raise the minimum wage. Any individual residing in the US can see, everything has gone up in terms of prices. From produce to utilities, overall expenses have gotten higher. It would make sense to adjust our wages in order to suit the increase in the price of living. You don’t buy yourself a decent laptop, keep it for a substantial amount of time, use it every day, and not update it. You want your laptop to run as efficiently as possible, right? Out of respect for our country, and its hard working residents, we need to come together and acknowledge that our minimum wage standard needs an update.
As for considering the living standard of minimum wage workers, it’s obvious that $7.25 is nowhere near enough to live comfortably, let alone get by. In comparison, Australian workers, have a more optimal lifestyle. Americans are strong believers in working for what you have, that is what we have made the American dream out to be. If you work hard enough, you should be able to get what you give. Working forty hour weeks should not result in poverty.
Our economy needs to be an economy that works for all. Easing the burden off of some, is ultimately going to ease the burden on all. If more receive a more livable wage, more money will be spent. More individuals will be able to put their money towards further education, thus leading to better jobs and better incomes, thus creating a better opportunity for growth in current Americans, and the future. Less individuals will need to rely on welfare, and food stamps, because of a better income for themselves, and their family. The endless possibilities of a better country outweigh the common misconceptions of a more debilitated America.
Even with a higher wage and public services, Australia is not doing as horrendous as one would think. The country has a growing economy, with some of the most open trading agreements, ideal working opportunities for all citizens. Not to say that America has to model the entirety of its government to that of Australia’s, but it’s easy to debunk most if not all stigmas against raising the minimum wage based off this prime example.
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