econoMAX - US Needs to Create Good Middle-class Jobs

In early August this year fast-food workers across the US staged a walkout in protest about their levels of pay – they were demanding an increase from $7.25 (Federal Minimum Wage) to $15 an hour. Under the current minimum wage a worker’s income is $15,000 per annum which is below poverty level pay. Although the minimum wage has increased it is still below its peak in 1968 when it was worth approximately $10.70 an hour in today’s dollars. As well as the low pay, workers in the fast food industry get few benefits and also prospects for full-time work are limited. Add to that a weak job market and ultimately bargaining position, the prospects for these workers look bleak. Although this low pay has been prevalent for many years why is it that is has become such a political issue?

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