Ironically, finding the statistics of just how many Americans are earning minimum wage is near impossible. The closest I found was 2010 showing only 4.4 million. This is a bit askew considering one unconfirmed source speculated 30 million in 2006. What's the big secret? It would seem the number of Americans working for slave labor should be commonly posted Internet knowledge. It should be right up there beside our gross national debt and the Kardashians.
Everyone I know earns minimum wage. That's right, I said it. My employer earns more than I do but we don't revolve in the same circles. So perhaps it's time for your favorite naughty writer to update the system. Perhaps the Internet moguls let this tidbit of vital information slip their busy agendas. By my count, there are roughly 320 million United States citizens in America with an estimated 50 - 70 million earning minimum wage. This statistic is a highly speculative shot in the dark. I searched well over 100 online sources and found this to be a highly guarded statistic. So perhaps we should try another approach. Let’s rename this article and call it "Death of a Paycheck". Or, we can call it "Definition of an American Slave". Take your pick, I'm good either way.
Merriam Webster defines Slavery as “drudgery, toil and submission to a dominating influence. The state of a person who is a chattel of another.” The closest representation of a slave in America I can remember was before the Civil War. Slaves were provided shelter, food and water and basic clothing in return for labor. They were considered the property of the plantation owners. According to history, slavery was abolished in America in December of 1865.
I took my own paycheck and a calculator to do some figuring. Based upon my average taxes and basic living requirements, I wanted to see if I qualified to be a modern day slave in America. Taxable Monthly Gross Income for 160 hours x $7.25 (Minimum Wage) = $1160.00
Federal Withholdings are 10% of gross income. . 10 x $1160 = $116 - $1160 = $1040
State Withholdings are 3% of gross income. . 03 x $1160 = $34.8 - $1040 = $1005. 2
7% Sales tax comes out of every dollar spent. . 07 x $1005. 2 = $70.35 - $1005. 2 = $934.85
Our property tax monthly is $43.33 - 934.85 = $891.52 (Tack on $300-$1000 if you rent).
Banking Fees: $5.00 - $891.52 = $886.52 (A simple checking account is required to even cash your check.)
Mandatory liability insurance: Average is $114.52 monthly. $114.52 - $886.52 = $772.00
Car Tag: My tag was $249.96 / 12 months = $20.83 monthly. $20.83 - $772.00 = $751.17
Power bill: average is $150.00 - $751.17 = $601.17 (Don't try to leave it off. The power company will come and literally saw your pole down.)
Water/Sewer: $25.00 - $601.17 = $576.17
Gasoline: $75.00 x 4 weeks = $300.00 - $576.17 = $276.17. (If you pay rent you are now a starving slave. You require food stamps to survive.)
Groceries: (1 Person) $160.00 - $276.17 = $116.17
Phone Service: $42.33 - $116.17 = $73.84 (A phone is required by most employers.)
Amenities: $73.84+ - $73.84 = Debt (Amenities include soap, shampoo, toilet paper, washing powder and such for the month.)
There you have it. I have worked full time at minimum wage for a whole month. I earned just enough to pay for shelter, food, and transportation costs to and from work. I don't require clothes because I have a uniform. Raising my minimum wage will not help me. The basic costs of living will simply rise along with it. I earned nothing for my labor. I am the definition of a modern day slave according to Merriam Webster. You should try working 160 hours a month and still getting nothing if you think being unemployed is tough.
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