Why Wage Change?

Why Wage Change?

We seek Wage Change because a higher hourly wage puts more money in the pockets of workers, increases sales for local businesses and strengthens the overall economy.

*Night Kitchen Bakery (Philadelphia) Co-Owner Amy Edelman: “At just $7.25 an hour, many minimum wage workers rely on public assistance to get by. That means taxpayers are subsidizing poverty wages and bad business models. We need a minimum wage that strengthens our economy rather than undermines it.”

*Trolley Car Cafe(Philadelphia) Owner Ken Weinstein: “We cannot wait any longer to raise the minimum wage.  I prefer that it happen across the board on a national level but that does not look likely to happen anytime soon.  Therefore, we must raise the minimum wage on a grassroots level.  Businesses on the ground floor of this movement will be rewarded by customers who share our values.”

Here’s 5 reasons why small businesses do better with a higher minimum wage:

1. Attract New Customers: An increasing number of consumers are “voting with their dollars” by choosing to spend in socially conscious ways. By increasing minimum wage, business owners will attract new customers who share their values and appreciate fair treatment of their employees.
2. Increase Employee Retention & Productivity: Higher wages reduces turnover, and having a stable workforce means improved service and increased productivity.
3. Less Training and Recruitment Costs: Lower turnover reduces recruitment expenses and training time.
4. Improve Morale and Better Customer Satisfaction: Happy employees make happy customers. Customers can tell when employees like their jobs. Employees who are satisfied and working well together create a positive atmosphere and seamless customer experience.
5. More Community Investment:  When most or all employers pay a higher minimum wage, it levels the playing field for smaller businesses that invest more in their employees and communities.

Here’s 5 ways a minimum wage increase will improve the economy:

1. Creates New Jobs and Supports Local Businesses: By increasing the purchasing power of consumers, people will spend more at local businesses and create new jobs.
2. Boosts Government Revenue: A minimum wage increase will boost local, state and federal revenues so more can be spent on our schools and infrastructure. These investments help small businesses.
3. Increases Productivity and Morale: An increase in the minimum wage will lead to higher employee morale, greater productivity and improved quality of work.  Turnover and the cost of training and supervision will decrease.
4. Increases Purchasing Power: The current minimum wage of $7.25 per hour has 18 percent less purchasing power than the minimum wage in 1979. Raising the minimum wage puts money directly in the pockets of our workers.
5. Reduces Poverty: An increase in the minimum wage will reduce poverty. A lower poverty level means less dependence on government assistance programs.