Will Higher Minimum Wages Create Jobs? Who Benefits From Higher Minimum Wages? Demographic Perspective

Courtesy of Mish.

Of all the ridiculous notion floating around in the liberal media is the notion that higher minimum wages will create jobs.

The theory goes like this: Pay people more, they will have more to spend, and by spending more they will create more jobs. On that basis, proponents argue for a $15 minimum wage at McDonald's. There are several obvious flaws in such arguments.

Obvious Flaws

1. No one in government has any idea where to set a minimum wage to achieve such miraculous results. Should the wage be $9.78, $12.22, or $14.88?
2. Logically, wages vary by industry, skills needed, and actual skills of the workers. A government mandated minimum wage says none of those matter. No matter what you do, or how badly you perform that task, you get a guaranteed rate.
3. Many small business owners, the very kind that the liberal media blames the likes of Walmart and McDonald's for destroying, will not be competitive at forced higher rates.
4. Businesses will do everything possible to not raise salaries until it affects their bottom line.

Crash Course in Free Market Economics

In regards to point number four, Walmart announced a wage hike because turnover was too excessive. It did so, not because of government mandated minimum wage, but rather because of turnover and the quality of employees it could attract at the wages it was offering.

That's a logical way to set minimum wages. I discussed that theory in Crash Course in Free Market Economics and Income Inequality

If that does not convince you, please consider Union Group Mobilizes "Against" Pay Hike.

Restaurants Mobilize Robots

Also in regards to point number four, and something I have noted before, Restaurant Ordering Robots to Replace Human Jobs.
 

Panera is ready to launch the restaurants of its future. Using online restaurant ordering, you will either place your own order on your smartphone or on a tablet device at the restaurant. And then the kitchen staff will just show up with your order after you pay on your phone or on the kiosk.

 

This method frees up labor to work on food prep and serving. It enhances order accuracy and gives you better service. But will you miss the human touch of a waiter or waitress?
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