SB 2018-302: Living Wage Act (Debating)

[Pericles]

I'd support a $15 minimum wage but I think it should be phased in say over 3 years with more gradual increases in the meantime to avoid causing unnecessary disruption.

[Pericles]

Lol.

[Pericles]

Why only $11.00? That seems much too low, at the very least $12.00, probably no more than $15.00.

[Pericles]

I have an alternative amendment, this represents my ideal outcome from this bill.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

[Pericles]

While saying that the minimum wage increases unemployment, the evidence is far less clear on this matter and often there does not appear to be any relation. Those with increased incomes will also benefit the economy through increased consumption. So on the whole this will be beneficial to workers, especially if done properly, and my personal belief is that the risks are overblown.

[Pericles]

Not sure how this vote works. Aye to my amendment, Nay to Lok's..

[Pericles]

While saying that the minimum wage increases unemployment, the evidence is far less clear on this matter and often there does not appear to be any relation. Those with increased incomes will also benefit the economy through increased consumption. So on the whole this will be beneficial to workers, especially if done properly, and my personal belief is that the risks are overblown.

I would agree with this argument, at lower levels! However when you start getting into the mid teens and beyond the sheer increase in cost will make technological based efficiency most cost efficient and eventually those numbers will catch up.

Well I understand your concerns, but I think that given it doesn't actually get to $14 an hour until 2022, this makes it less costly for businesses and reduces any negative impact. So on the balance I think there won't be a significant effect on employment and that my amendment is overall positive due to the increase in wages.

Also, have we actually heard from lok over whether he still wants to move forward with his amendment?

[Pericles]

Btw, does the passage or failure of one amendment mean the automatic passage or failure of the other? Or will there have to be a second vote?

[Pericles]

Aye

[Pericles]

Thank you very much. I think there's been enough debate on this issue, I motion for a final vote on this bill.

[Pericles]

I object to the amendment, would prefer it to be higher than $12.50 and believe there is precedent for a $1 annual increase and this is not too extreme. Atlasians need us to get this right, too many are struggling to meet the high costs of living.

[Pericles]

12.50 adjusted to inflation to 2023 or 2025 would probably hit 14.00, so this really isn’t that different from your amendment.

Ok, given that this looks likely to pass I'll take this amendment, and hope if there are no further objections we can then pass this bill. Objection withdrawn.

[Pericles]

Given the amendment has passed with no objection(not officially declaring this since I can't but it's pretty clear), I motion for a final vote.

[Pericles]

Shouldn't we be voting on this bill now?

[Pericles]

Aye