Living Wage?

[mbarrick]

There was a lot of talk today on the CBC and other media about the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives issuing a new "living wage" value for Metro Vancouver.

A "living wage" in this context is defined as a minimal amount for two adults working full-time (40 hours a week) both have to earn to support two children above the poverty line. The value released today is $18.71. That's two people earning $18.71/hour and both working full time. This is poverty line, i.e. food, shelter, clothing, and minimal entertainment, not being able to afford to buy a house, not being able to afford to go away for vacations, not being able to save for retirement, etc.

I want to look at this $18.71 value in terms of pre-Generation-X standards, before it was expected and required for both parents to work to simply support a family, back in the days where normal meant one person supporting three others. So for one person to support another adult and two children would really mean double this value. That would mean an individual supporting a spouse and two children at the poverty line would need a full time, 40-hour a week job at $37.42 to "get by."

In the 1950's, 1960's and up to the mid-1970's an adult working at a crappy job like pumping gas, waitressing, janitor, etc. could expect pretty close to that kind of living, say enough to support a family of three. Since two adults earning $18.71 is enough to support two children it follows that one adult making $18.71 is enough to support one person, so we'll assume $9.36 is enough for one person. So for one person to support two others we get $28.07. To have the life one could earn at the $1.35 minimum wage of 1974 one would now have to make $28.07. And in case $28.07 is a bit too abstract, let's translate that to an annual salary: $58,385.60. Now look at it this way—if you are making less than $60,000/year, you are making less than your average Space-Age gas-jockey.

You know why the punks started yelling "no future" in 1977? This is fucking why! Welcome to the future.

Comments

[seymour-glass.livejournal.com]

well it's mostly because they've essentially destroyed the unions in the states, i think they are down to 7% of workers...there used to be two safeguards for the people, unions and government...well government has been bought and the unions are just about busted...the whole "american dream" thing is so out of reach...but then again they are the only industrialized country where religious beliefs have increased with industrialization and prosperity...every where else there is an inverse relationship...

faith the final frontier...

[nicosian.livejournal.com]

interesting, huh? I've heard the concept of "moral prosperity" is now a big thing in the US amongst the evangelical/fundie set, that if you're rich or prosperous, it's because god loves you and your more moral self, if you're poor, its because of moral failing and god likes you less and you're being punished.

The idea that capitalism, unfettered, will magically respond to the needs of customers, is so strong there, even though that's definitely NOT happening there ( witness insurance companies and the banking issues,) is astounding. I almost think we're watching the slo mo collapse of the United states as it currently is. I am fond of my us friends, they work hard, but they get one hell of a shit deal from their country.

I run my own business. If I hire someone, I'm going to, when I can actually provide a work environment for them that I would feel comfortable with, and nothing less. If I wouldn't do the work, or work in conditions in my studio, I sure as HELL wouldn't inflict it on someone else.

That does mean a fair wage.

A friend this week walked off a job that promised 20/hr, and reasonable hours, but turned into 11/hr and 6 days a week. She told them to get stuffed. We're lucky in that we generally have some job mobility. Telling your employer to stuff it in the US means not just loss of salary, but loss of one's medical insurance ( a whole OTHER pickle), and often, being considered untouchable by any other job, if there were any entry level jobs like the one you just left.

[seymour-glass.livejournal.com]

there is a rather large evangelical born again church in colorado or somewhere like that which has 10 000 members and they preach that jesus didn't really want christians to provide charity...it was merely a suggestion...it didn't mean you were a bad christian if you had too much and didn't do something for others...and the fact they peddled this and people bought it is mind boggling...the other interesting thing i find about their culture is everyone prays to god over the most minor detail of their lives...football players praying they'll win the big game, but if they win then those praying just as hard on the other team have to lose...how does god choose??? maybe it's that "moral prosperity" at work...

i honestly believe we are in a unique time in history...we are witnessing the decline of a civilization on its doorstep but not from within...that hasn't happened since the british empire imploded...but where it might take us is anyone's guess...thus far we are mostly immune, but i wonder if that can last...