Does it mean they should be paid more? Does it mean the items mentioned should cost much less? Does it mean they should be government (taxpayer) subsidized?
Many people think teachers, servers, caregivers and others should be paid more, but do they consider what that means?
- Higher taxes
- Pressure from other jobs in the hierarchy for higher pay
- Higher prices
- Inflation
Maybe none of that matters, but it should be considered.
QUINNSCOMMENTARY 
Inflation is not an issue when you raise salaries–now higher taxes could result if the town wants to pay more to teachers, cops, firemen (yikes I said “men”) and the like. If you raise the cost of doing business, and you are doing business with employees, then someone pays and if they are public workers then taxpayers pay. Maybe sales taxes go up–property taxes rise–the county raises taxes on income.
If prices caused inflation then has anyone heard inflation used as a reason not to raise taxes once the Trump taxes expire in a year? Business would pay more–individuals would pay more–federal estate taxes go up so the cost to individuals will rise–we could debate if raising taxes would be a positive or a negative but nobody of prominence says; “inflation will rise if we increase taxes.”
Inflation is too much money chasing too few goods. QE 1 and QE 2 just dumped $ into system–sent out those checks for work not done–I mean what was produced when all that $ went out?
In the private sector that was mentioned by Dick Quinn if you have checkers at Whole Foods then you automate if your workers are paid say $20- $22 by state mandate–more self-checkouts as an example.
If wages are increased then something has to give. Right now we see more jobs than workers–wages are rising because of supply and demand. At some point these higher wages could lead to some businesses closing–you have to be competitive.
Interesting essay.
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Back when Rip Van Winkle took his 20 year nap and woke up, he probably didn’t notice much change. If he went to sleep 20 years ago and woke up today, he would be shocked at the prices and wages. Inflation keeps everyone wanting more pay and benefits. To everyone who says a particular job should pay more, like cashier or teacher, I say sure they do but why single out one occupation for more.
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If you truly wonder what that comment means, you need to have your head examined!
That’s the nicest way I can say it.
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And your point is?
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Someone as smart as you can figure it out.
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If the grocery store doesn’t take in enough income to cover it’s expenses, plus a profit, it will go out of business. That is inevitable.
The same is true for the cashier, if he literally does not make enough money to survive.
(Taxpayer) subsidies of various kinds are available… to both.
“CDFI’s that offer subsidies to grocery chains should include requirements for sustainable employment standards for grocery workers. …”
http://www.researchgate.net
“sustainable”… If you don’t eat, you can’t work. Same goes for teachers, servers, caregivers and others.
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