I laugh even harder at the idea of forcing a $15/hour min on restaurants for unskilled workers - that's gonna kill the smaller chains and privately owned restaurants.
Whether it's a govt imposed min or a "collective bargaining thing" calling for a new min, it's the same end result. Frankly I don't see this happening without government force - which I wouldn't be surprised to see these days.
I have no problem whatsoever with workers deciding what they will or will not work for. I've made that decision for myself at least a half dozen times - I have left an employer for greener pastures (another employer or self-employment) for any combination of more $, leaving a negative environment, lack of upward mobility, bad location / clientele, etc.
I'm not a fan of collective bargaining and am not big on employment contracts (although I see their purpose in some cases). If you don't like working for me or what I am willing or able to pay you, you're free to find a better path for yourself.
The min wage was $3.35 in 1987 when I got out of HS. It's now $7.25 I think.
First of all ROTFLMAO at the idea of a "skilled worker wage"
Secondly: This isn't a government initiative, ...it's a collective bargaining thing.
This not the government dictating minimum wage, these are workers saying give us $15/hr., or we won't work.
Do you have a problem with workers deciding what they will or will not work for?
What I find more offensive than anything is the idea that someone thinks these workers are obligated to work in fast food joints for $7 or $8 an hour.
Thirdly: Inflation probably played a part, in choosing the magic number.
its also very easily calculable for 4 hr & 8 hr shifts.