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Report Reveals A Majority of Americans Favor Higher Minimum Wage


Recently, the National Restaurant Association released a report in which 7 out of 10 Americans indicated they would support a higher minimum wage rate, even if that meant an increase in food and service costs.  This report from the National Restaurant Association is the first known poll from the industry itself which shows such broad support for a higher minimum wage.

The National Restaurant Association identified the report as evidence that a wage solution "that balances the needs of customers, employees, and business owners" is needed.  However, the group pointed out that wage standards should vary by region as an hourly worker in New York City would likely "need" a higher wage (given the cost of living in the city), compared to an hourly worker in Tulsa, for instance.

Whether this report moves the minimum wage fight along more quickly is still up in the air.  I do point readers to the somewhat surprising number of people surveyed that indicated they would not oppose a minimum wage hike even if those costs were passed onto consumers.  That has tended to be a sticking point in prior minimum wage fights...but perhaps this report marks a turning point?


 

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