Oddly Correct Supports Minimum Wage Hike with Actual Practice
Kansas City Offers Example of Positive Impact of Raising Minimum Wage
Mike Schroeder, the owner of Oddly Correct, a popular local coffee shop located on Troost Avenue, Kansas City, has set an inspiring precedent by compensating his employees at rates far above the current minimum wage. Schroeder, a notable advocate for the increase of minimum wage, pays a generous $19 per hour, thereby vouching for his firm belief in the advantages that accompany raised wages.
Understanding the Value of a Stable and Invested Workforce
“The people who are here are the ones that are going to make things happen,” Schroeder implies his confidence in the staff employed at his coffee shop. He believes that having a team that feels motivated, rewarded, and valued is key to the overall success of his business.
Schroeder has been a vocal supporter of the initiative in Missouri to raise the minimum wage to $15 by 2026, accompanied by the provision of paid sick leaves. His support for this cause extends so far as to make his coffee shop a living example of its benefits.
Positive Outcomes and Reaction to Wage Increase
Since implementing this wage increase at Oddly Correct, Schroeder states that the effort and expenditure related to hiring and training new employees have notably decreased. More importantly, the coffee shop has witnessed an increase in loyal patrons drawn by the ethical business practices the shop follows.
“There’s plenty of great coffee in Kansas City, right? But we had new customers coming to us because they want to support a business that cares about the people that work there,” Schroeder shared, pleased with the way the community has responded.
Overcoming the Fear of Higher Wages
In spite of these positive outcomes, there are those who believe higher wages place an undue burden on businesses. Schroeder, however, firmly contests this attitude, stating, “If you can get over that in your mind, the benefits far outweigh that.” He emphasizes that paying people a wage they can rely on for their living expenses is not just a moral obligation, but is also beneficial for the business in the long run.
Continuing the Struggle for Fair Wages
Bill Thompson, a minimum wage worker who actively campaigned for the initiative, stresses on the importance of fair wages. He highlights the tough choices employees have to make when they’re paid low. For him, the fight for fair wages goes beyond this year’s ballot. “It’s always gonna be a continual fight,” he commented.
Schroeder resonates with Thompson’s sentiment, expressing his conviction by stating: “The idea of paying people a wage they can support themselves on just felt like, if we can’t do that, then we shouldn’t be open.”
Although the future of the minimum wage increase initiative still hangs in the balance, the example set by Schroeder presents a clear and compelling argument for its potential benefits. It serves as a beacon of hope for those advocating for pay equity and the upliftment of the working class in Kansas City and beyond.
Note
Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft is now tasked with the verification of the signatures for the minimum wage increase initiative. The final decision is expected to be announced in August.
