Both the Republican Party and the Tea Party have blocked an increase in the minimum wage. A report today shows that the CEOs of fast-food chains have seen their salaries quadruple since 2000, while their average employee earns nine dollars an hour.
Fast-food chains began in the 1950s. Those working in them were students, and some retired individuals who wanted extra income, or simply a chance to 'get out of the house.' Today, thanks to big business limiting hours, and outsourcing many of their better-paying jobs, many Americans are forced to take these jobs. Thousands of these underpaid workers have families, and receive government assistance as well.
Our government will do nothing to change the status quo. As usual, nothing substantial is accomplished without a public uprising. I believe it's time we boycott the fast-food industry, until they decide to treat their employees fairly.
To give a comparison easily understood, let's use the construction industry, which generally pays a fair wage to its employees. Their CEOs earn approximately 93 times more than their employees. And in retail, those CEOs make 304 to one. In the fast-food industry, they make an unbelievable 1000 to one. Is there something wrong with this picture?
In addition, it has been reported today that middle-class employees in the United States are paid less on average than middle-class workers in other countries. At the same time, the wealthiest one percent has enjoyed an enormous increase in their financial situation. America has become the nation of 'have and have-nots.'
I was an assistant manager during the 2010 census. Our results proved a growing disparity between the wealthy and working classes in our nation. While the wealthy can afford several bottles of wine costing hundreds of dollars each with every meal, an increasing number of working Americans cannot afford milk with every meal.
I want to ask a simple question. Do those of you who are 60 years old or older, such as myself, remember our country lacking this level of equality? Do you remember when a corporation was considered successful when it made a 30-percent profit? Do you remember employees sharing in the growth of companies, receiving pay increases, bonuses, and benefits? Starting in the mail room and becoming the CEO through hard work and continuing education is no longer a possibility.
Working in fast food is not a desirable outcome for most individuals. For many, it is the only alternative. And that industry has benefited from the absence of good jobs in other industries. Shouldn't they be paid a wage that would allow them to live a secure life, and give them the ability to provide for their families?
A friend of mine asked me, "how many 40-million-dollar homes does one man need?" There seems to be no end to the greed of wealthy Americans.
James Turnage
Op-ed
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