VOL. XXIV, NO. 6
MARCH 24, 1983
Teens may face wage cuts
Students looking for summer employment may face a $2.50 an hour salary, under President Reagan's proposed "youth opportunity wage" plan.
This plan would allow the minimum wage to be cut 25%. President Reagan feels that this would allow inexperienced students the opportunity to enter the ''workplace.'' Senator Charles H. Percy (R‑Ill.) and Congressman John E. Porter of the 10th Congressional District both support this proposal.
The downturn in the economy and the elimination of many entry level jobs has resulted in a high teenage unemployment rate.
Congressman Porter wrote in a letter to a constituent, "I feel that a lower minimum wage - to be implemented just during the summer months when the number of teenagers seeking to enter the work force is at its highest level - would give employers an incentive to hire young workers to fill those entry level jobs that would otherwise be phased out. It would also allow young people a better opportunity to get an initial foothold and experience in the working world."
The proposed legislation is opposed by the AFL‑CIO. It fears businesses will replace present workers with newly hired youths.
This plan would allow the minimum wage to be cut 25%. President Reagan feels that this would allow inexperienced students the opportunity to enter the ''workplace.'' Senator Charles H. Percy (R‑Ill.) and Congressman John E. Porter of the 10th Congressional District both support this proposal.
The downturn in the economy and the elimination of many entry level jobs has resulted in a high teenage unemployment rate.
Congressman Porter wrote in a letter to a constituent, "I feel that a lower minimum wage - to be implemented just during the summer months when the number of teenagers seeking to enter the work force is at its highest level - would give employers an incentive to hire young workers to fill those entry level jobs that would otherwise be phased out. It would also allow young people a better opportunity to get an initial foothold and experience in the working world."
The proposed legislation is opposed by the AFL‑CIO. It fears businesses will replace present workers with newly hired youths.
However, Senator Percy stated, "The bill provides penalties for abuses of the youth minimum wage, specifically in cases where youth hiring at the reduced wage would cause the displacement of adult workers or young workers paid the minimum wage." He did not state what these penalties were.
The student feeling towards this proposal varies although most are opposed in one way or another.
"I think its unfair. Definitely! Teenagers work just as hard as adults so they should be paid just as much," said Chris Chrobak '85.
Marilen Liwag '85 also is against this proposal. "I think it stinks because it doesn't benefit teens or adults. Teenagers won't earn as much as they could have and the adults could be replaced by those teens."
"I don't care what I get paid but I'd appreciate minimum wage," said James Caserly '85.
Joanne Breider '84, stated, "It doesn't matter to me one way or another but I'll have to stay at home another year from college to get the money to go to college."
Steve Leroy, McDonald's public relations spokesman, said, "McDonald's will not be active in terms of this legislation."
If this proposal is passed in the near future, it will become effective May 1 thru September 30.
Although Congressman Porter strongly supports this proposal, when asked if he thought it would pass he responded, "No way!"
The student feeling towards this proposal varies although most are opposed in one way or another.
"I think its unfair. Definitely! Teenagers work just as hard as adults so they should be paid just as much," said Chris Chrobak '85.
Marilen Liwag '85 also is against this proposal. "I think it stinks because it doesn't benefit teens or adults. Teenagers won't earn as much as they could have and the adults could be replaced by those teens."
"I don't care what I get paid but I'd appreciate minimum wage," said James Caserly '85.
Joanne Breider '84, stated, "It doesn't matter to me one way or another but I'll have to stay at home another year from college to get the money to go to college."
Steve Leroy, McDonald's public relations spokesman, said, "McDonald's will not be active in terms of this legislation."
If this proposal is passed in the near future, it will become effective May 1 thru September 30.
Although Congressman Porter strongly supports this proposal, when asked if he thought it would pass he responded, "No way!"
