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Discussion

Minimum wage push to $15/hr. Will it help or harm UAPs Overall?

California did it, and New York state just followed; raising minimum wage to fifteen dollars per hour. However am wondering what the response will be from healthcare employers in these two largest markets. Will places reduce and or phase out use of techs, assistants and other UAPs due to increased wages? Or, will they change job descriptions and qualifications for hiring to what we are already seeing in some other private sector employment markets; that is places requiring all employees to have a four year degree even if you are applying for say gofer/mail room clerk or receptionist.

Here in NYC nursing assistant salary ranges from $9.24 to $17.36 an hour. Union represented places seem to pay more as do hospice. OTHO some nursing homes are on the lower end of the scale as is home care (lowest it seems). In a few years as the new minimum wage is phased in those making current minimum wage (or just above) will move to within a few dollars of the current highest paid.

NYS healthcare industry vehemently fought against the $15/hr. minimum wage increase which makes one wonder what their next move will be now that the thing is done.

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    California's minimum wage is currently $10/hr and will increase by $1 annually until it reaches $15/hr in 2022.

    I predict a change to the total care model in some hospitals. I also predict that certain fast food joints, big box retail stores and small businesses will figure out ways to get more work done with less employees.

    In addition, I predict that the prices of certain goods and services will increase to cover the costs associated with paying a higher minimum wage.

    I also predict employers will become ultra-picky regarding new hires. No disrespect, but places such as Walmart and McDonald's hire society's vulnerable (e.g. the undereducated, the elderly who had no retirement savings, teenagers, displaced middle-aged workers, welfare-to-work cases, & those with intellectual disabilities). I now suspect employers will become pickier and demand educated workers in their 20s and 30s.

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    Am wondering if NY hospitals and other facilities will respond to the minimum wage hike by bringing back LPNs and going with "all nurse" care models. At the low end of local wages LPNs are about there the highest nursing assistants are already. That gap will narrow once the new $15/wage comes into effect. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Salary in New York, New York

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    Our CNAs already make right under or right over that amount, although I'm unsure how "normal" that is. And since the change in law is slow-coming, I don't see it making much of a difference in any way. There might be a little disruption at first, but pay rates (for others) and costs will adjust accordingly ...it will be back to business as usual.

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    Well, by 2022 that won't be enough money as cost of living escalates. In our economy right now, that would be great.

    My one college kid just started at Sam's Club at 10.50/HR. I took a look at there insurance and 401K and it is pretty good. At least she can pay her rent and buy food now lol.

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    • Expert
    My one college kid just started at Sam's Club at 10.50/HR.
    The Dairy Queen fast food joints in a small Texas town south of me offer starting wages of $9.00/hr, which is good in an area where an efficiency apartment can be rented for $500/month.

    The local minimum wage is $7.25/hr, so Dairy Queen's management must be attempting to bring high employee turnover rates to a screeching halt.

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