As cities around the country, including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Seattle, pass or propose legislation to substantially increase the minimum wage for workers, debate has raged over the potential economic, social, and fiscal impact. Here are some of the pros and cons of raising the minimum wage:

PROS

Lifts workers out of poverty to brink of poverty



One less thing to feel shitty about when leaving Chick-fil-A



Shorter lines at pawn shops



Higher morale among workers who aren’t casualties of cost-cutting layoffs



Gets picketers out of pathway to Big Mac



Bargain compared to cost of creating actual social safety net

CONS

Workers will grow complacent and lazy if they can afford basic human needs



Still just as insulting that your boss pays you lowest amount he or she legally allowed to



Awkwardness of being served by cashiers wearing top hats and monocles



16-year-old cashier set to live like fucking king for rest of summer



Employee benefits like paid vacation, gym membership, and yoga sessions could be slashed for thousands of line cooks and convenience store clerks



Increases expense of exploiting workers

