Nigel Travis, CEO of Dunkin Donuts recently spoke with CNN about raising the minimum wage, and New York State’s forward momentum for that plan. Dunkin deserves applause for being willing to step into the fray and say what he believes is a more reasonable approach. Sometimes the best PR is saying what needs to be said, but in a way that people are willing to hear it.
In New York the current minimum wage is $8.75 per hour. If the planned-for increase happens on the timetable established by the State – transitioning it to $15 per hour over the coming three years – that’s a total of 73% increase. 73% increase in pay over three years that has nothing to do with what the worker does or doesn’t do. That quite a leap.
One of the industries most affected will be the fast food industry. Many of the workers in this industry are teenagers who are 16-19 years of age. The first job for many Americans is in a fast food job. There they learn job etiquette, and hopefully, a strong work ethic. Those who learn the lessons tend to move up the career ladder with relative ease. Those who don’t move up, well, if the $15 plan moves forward, will be richly rewarded for staying in place..
Either way this issue falls, Mr. Travis and Dunkin Donuts have taken the brave step forward in attempting to open up the conversation. The State, at least currently, is not ready to discuss it, but others will be talking about it. Hurray for Dunkin’s willingness. His comments were not one-sided or overly biased. He talked about how most in his company that are earning minimum wage are teenagers and if they are willing to shine they soon manage to far surpass the minimum wage pay level now and the new one set as well.
Travis also believes that people should be getting a living wage and that the pay scale for employees may need to be adjusted so those who are working to support their families get better pay. That’s not a new concept, some agree and others do not. But whichever side you believe is right, opening this discussion makes it easier for you to speak your thoughts and for others to do the same. Open discussion even allows people to hear the other side and begin to make adjustments to their way of thinking.
Closing down a discussion usually just firms up everyone’s opinion, becoming harder to change or adapt. Good on ya, Dunkin.
