Comments by "BVargas78" (@BVargas78) on "Restaurant Gets Rid of Tipping, Pays Everyone $15/Hour" video.

We are in the developed world, in the 21st century. Not the 1950's. Going any lower, is going into developing world standards. Sure reading a book, going for a hike. Is all well and good. Especially if they are having to save some money whilst on a low wage. Maybe they need new shoes or a coat so they can't go out to the pub that weekend and stay home to read a book. But it kind of sucks if that is the only ever option for you, or if you are so poor you have to rent a studio with three other people. Why not with eight other people? Like in Victorian Britain? Why not, because it sucks. And is a step backwards. A worker at a basic job should be able to afford to rent a basic flat. Sure, they will probably never be able to buy their own flat or house with a low wage. But at least let be able to pay a basic rent!
2
whyamimrpink78 living comfortably doesnt necessarily equate to that, it's basic comforts, a standard higher than austerity living. It means you can pay your rent and bills, transport cost (you may not even have a car), and have a bit left over to save for a rainy day. And don't have to go cold with wearing a big coat indoors in the winter. At present, minimum wage can be so low that they can barely pay living costs and there is hardly anything left over. If they need to replace something like a pair of shoes or new clothes it basically eats up what little surplus they have thus they have to live a life of austerity, unless they work over 40 hours. Say, 60 hours. Not because they want to but because they have to.
1
whyamimrpink78 It's not rocket science. Let's keep standards low. Water bills, electric. Rent. Transport costs. As we are keeping standards low in order to be more business friendly, let's say a one bedroom flat/apartment for one person. And paying two bus trips a day for a 5 day 40 hour week. If someone cannot pay those overheads on a minimum wage, its too low. Now i'm going to up the stakes. I think they should also have enough to pay for internet, which has become a basic need, more important than a television or telephone. It can in fact, replicate those things. And to go even futher. After paying for all that, they should have a little bit left over that they can either use for leisure or to save for a rainy day in case their shoes or clothes wear out, or they have to go to the dentist, or an eye test. I dont think I am being unreasonable, when i say that this does not amount to much. Any less than that, it's pretty poor for a developed country.
1