The U.K. minimum wage is more than double the US. There can’t be many first world countries that have a lower minimum wage than the US?
Poland doesn’t do mass immigration. They are staunchly against it. Therefore there are less people to exploit. A reality many redditors don’t want to face. Poland actually puts Poles first.
It’s going to be $7.90 an hour in Poland, many states in US have higher minimum wage than federal and even then almost every retail job starts at $15 an hour now, like your first part time job at 16 you will be making double the federal minimum wage. If you aren’t making that then you need to get your resume out and apply for some jobs, even McDonald’s starts at like $12 an hour now.
US federal minimum wage is barely applicable.
Canadian minimum wage is higher than the US. And so is Australian, French etc.
Alternative headlines: “Minimum wage in Poland for 2025 higher than 175 countries.”
“Poland to have lower minimum wage than 30 US States in 2025.”
On the one Hand POLSKA Gurom, on the other, inflation.
how many people even make the minimum wage tho?
Only 1.3% of Americans actually make minimum wage or less and a vast majority of them are undocumented immigrants that lack leverage to negotiate a higher wage.
Additionally, 34 of the 50 states have a statewide minimum wage above the federal minimum wage further making the headline moot.
Minimum wage isn’t necessary at all, there are successful countries without it. Something like sub 1% of Americans are paid federal minimum wage and I assume they are in low cost of living areas and get paid mostly in tips.
People mentioning immigrants in the comments are wrong. Illegal immigrants generally work low skill but difficult jobs that pay a lot more than federal minimum wage.
That’s not hard.
How dare they!!
How dare they!!
“At 2.9%, Poland’s unemployment rate remains second lowest in the EU.”
It’s amazing what happens when the government doesn’t bring in hundreds of thousands of people a year to compete with you for a job eh?
The US keeps it’s minimum wage low so that business owners can act like they actually pay their employees a lot more than they have to. The Republican party is to blame.
But this is the Greatest Country In The World! We’re free to carry a gun! And Conservatives have saved us from the TYRANNY of free health care and education. Praise Jesus. /s
Holy cow 65 cents more than in the US?!? Oh my gosh Poland, so impressive.
So, to be fair, this is a big misleading. Yes, it is higher than the federal minimum wage. But about 2/3 of states gave a minimum wage that’s higher than federal – and a number of them are considerably higher, like, more than double.
So that’s not to suggest the US doesn’t need to improve the minimum wage, but this headline is misleading.
I don’t make minimum wage in Poland, but I make slightly above average and I live a nice, comfy life as an immigrant who came here without a support network or speaking the language. I will never be rich, but to be honest I wouldn’t be rich anywhere else because I’m not really ambitious, and here I have a stress free job that I can be proud of and where I get raises abd promotions, plenty of time off to go on holidays to the Med, a nice warm home, a family and friends that I’ve acquired over the last four years, and the mental peace of not having to worry much about money and not having to count złoty when I feel like buying my kid a Lego set or my husband a new video game release.
Plus it takes like 3 of them to screw in a light bulb!
But our CEOs hoard even more wealth! Take that polish citizens? /s
America’s Coolie Economy.
The concept of a “Debt-Based Coolie Economy” refers to a systemic and intentional design within the U.S. economy that relies heavily on debt and low wages to maintain its functionality. This critique suggests that the economy is structured in such a way that it perpetuates a cycle of indebtedness and economic vulnerability, particularly among the working and lower-middle classes.
Debt as a Tool of Economic Control
Debt is a pervasive feature of the American economy, with most individuals carrying some form of debt, whether it’s student loans, credit card debt, mortgages, or car loans. The system is set up so that entering into debt is almost unavoidable. For example, the cost of higher education has risen significantly, leading many to take out large student loans just to obtain the qualifications needed for decent-paying jobs. Similarly, the cost of living, especially in terms of housing, often forces individuals to take on mortgages that they will be paying off for decades. Credit cards and other forms of consumer debt are also heavily marketed, encouraging a culture of spending beyond one’s means.
This continuous cycle of debt is critical to the functioning of the economy because it keeps consumption levels high, driving economic growth. However, it also ties individuals to the economy in a way that limits their freedom and financial independence. The need to service debt forces many people to remain in jobs they might otherwise leave, perpetuating a form of economic servitude
Low Wages and Economic Vulnerability
The economy’s reliance on low wages is another key component of this system. Many sectors, particularly service industries, rely on millions of workers who are paid wages that are insufficient to cover basic living expenses without accruing debt. This is particularly true for jobs that do not require advanced degrees, where wages have stagnated even as the cost of living has increased. The minimum wage in the U.S. has not kept pace with inflation, effectively reducing the purchasing power of low-income workers over time.
The prevalence of low wages is not merely a by-product of market forces but is seen by some as a deliberate design to maintain a large pool of workers who are economically vulnerable. This vulnerability ensures that these workers are less likely to demand higher wages or better working conditions, as they cannot afford to risk their jobs. Additionally, many of these low-wage jobs offer few benefits and little job security, further exacerbating economic insecurity.
Systemic Functionality
The argument is that without this combination of widespread debt and low wages, the U.S. economy would struggle to function as it currently does. High levels of consumer spending, driven by debt, are crucial for economic growth. Meanwhile, low wages help keep costs down for businesses, particularly in labour-intensive industries, which in turn helps maintain profit margins and stock prices.
This system of debt and low wages is self-perpetuating. People enter into debt to cover expenses that their wages cannot, which in turn forces them to continue working in low-wage jobs to pay off that debt, often with little hope of upward mobility. This creates a cycle of economic dependency that benefits the overall economy but at great cost to individual economic freedom and well-being.
The Bigger Picture
Critics of this system argue that it represents a modern form of economic exploitation, where the benefits of economic growth are not evenly distributed. The wealth generated by this system tends to concentrate among the upper echelons of society, while a significant portion of the population remains in a state of perpetual economic insecurity.
In summary, the “Debt-Based Coolie Economy” is a critique of how the U.S. economy structurally necessitates both widespread debt and low wages to function effectively. This system benefits those at the top while ensuring that a large portion of the population remains economically dependent and vulnerable.
I was shocked at the federal minimum wage. State minimum, atleast in my state are double, damn near triple the fed.
Cool. Now do median wage.
The minimum in Canada is double the US federal amount as well
# Top 20 Countries with the highest minimum wage in 2020 (US$):
Australia $17.47
New Zealand $16.10
Luxembourg $15.43
Germany $14.68
United Kingdom $14.27
Ireland $13.96
France $13.33
Belgium $12.15
Netherlands $11.98
Monaco $11.88
Canada $11.60
South Korea $11.50
San Marino $10.93
Israel $9.48
Iran $9.13
Argentina $8.55
Spain $8.39
Slovenia $8.21
Japan $8.14
Andorra $8
The US doesn’t even make it to top 20 at 7.25
Yeah… but we have vending machines that distribute ammunition. So, there is that.
Does anyone in this country actually make minimum wage? I couldn’t imagine any business could keep a person for one day paying 7.25
30 comments
[deleted]
[deleted]
The U.K. minimum wage is more than double the US.
There can’t be many first world countries that have a lower minimum wage than the US?
Poland doesn’t do mass immigration. They are staunchly against it. Therefore there are less people to exploit. A reality many redditors don’t want to face. Poland actually puts Poles first.
It’s going to be $7.90 an hour in Poland, many states in US have higher minimum wage than federal and even then almost every retail job starts at $15 an hour now, like your first part time job at 16 you will be making double the federal minimum wage. If you aren’t making that then you need to get your resume out and apply for some jobs, even McDonald’s starts at like $12 an hour now.
US federal minimum wage is barely applicable.
Canadian minimum wage is higher than the US. And so is Australian, French etc.
Alternative headlines:
“Minimum wage in Poland for 2025 higher than 175 countries.”
“Poland to have lower minimum wage than 30 US States in 2025.”
On the one Hand POLSKA Gurom, on the other, inflation.
how many people even make the minimum wage tho?
Only 1.3% of Americans actually make minimum wage or less and a vast majority of them are undocumented immigrants that lack leverage to negotiate a higher wage.
Additionally, 34 of the 50 states have a statewide minimum wage above the federal minimum wage further making the headline moot.
Minimum wage isn’t necessary at all, there are successful countries without it. Something like sub 1% of Americans are paid federal minimum wage and I assume they are in low cost of living areas and get paid mostly in tips.
People mentioning immigrants in the comments are wrong. Illegal immigrants generally work low skill but difficult jobs that pay a lot more than federal minimum wage.
That’s not hard.
How dare they!!
How dare they!!
“At 2.9%, Poland’s unemployment rate remains second lowest in the EU.”
It’s amazing what happens when the government doesn’t bring in hundreds of thousands of people a year to compete with you for a job eh?
The US keeps it’s minimum wage low so that business owners can act like they actually pay their employees a lot more than they have to. The Republican party is to blame.
But this is the Greatest Country In The World! We’re free to carry a gun! And Conservatives have saved us from the TYRANNY of free health care and education. Praise Jesus. /s
Holy cow 65 cents more than in the US?!? Oh my gosh Poland, so impressive.
So, to be fair, this is a big misleading. Yes, it is higher than the federal minimum wage. But about 2/3 of states gave a minimum wage that’s higher than federal – and a number of them are considerably higher, like, more than double.
So that’s not to suggest the US doesn’t need to improve the minimum wage, but this headline is misleading.
I don’t make minimum wage in Poland, but I make slightly above average and I live a nice, comfy life as an immigrant who came here without a support network or speaking the language. I will never be rich, but to be honest I wouldn’t be rich anywhere else because I’m not really ambitious, and here I have a stress free job that I can be proud of and where I get raises abd promotions, plenty of time off to go on holidays to the Med, a nice warm home, a family and friends that I’ve acquired over the last four years, and the mental peace of not having to worry much about money and not having to count złoty when I feel like buying my kid a Lego set or my husband a new video game release.
Plus it takes like 3 of them to screw in a light bulb!
But our CEOs hoard even more wealth! Take that polish citizens? /s
America’s Coolie Economy.
The concept of a “Debt-Based Coolie Economy” refers to a systemic and intentional design within the U.S. economy that relies heavily on debt and low wages to maintain its functionality. This critique suggests that the economy is structured in such a way that it perpetuates a cycle of indebtedness and economic vulnerability, particularly among the working and lower-middle classes.
Debt as a Tool of Economic Control
Debt is a pervasive feature of the American economy, with most individuals carrying some form of debt, whether it’s student loans, credit card debt, mortgages, or car loans. The system is set up so that entering into debt is almost unavoidable. For example, the cost of higher education has risen significantly, leading many to take out large student loans just to obtain the qualifications needed for decent-paying jobs. Similarly, the cost of living, especially in terms of housing, often forces individuals to take on mortgages that they will be paying off for decades. Credit cards and other forms of consumer debt are also heavily marketed, encouraging a culture of spending beyond one’s means.
This continuous cycle of debt is critical to the functioning of the economy because it keeps consumption levels high, driving economic growth. However, it also ties individuals to the economy in a way that limits their freedom and financial independence. The need to service debt forces many people to remain in jobs they might otherwise leave, perpetuating a form of economic servitude
Low Wages and Economic Vulnerability
The economy’s reliance on low wages is another key component of this system. Many sectors, particularly service industries, rely on millions of workers who are paid wages that are insufficient to cover basic living expenses without accruing debt. This is particularly true for jobs that do not require advanced degrees, where wages have stagnated even as the cost of living has increased. The minimum wage in the U.S. has not kept pace with inflation, effectively reducing the purchasing power of low-income workers over time.
The prevalence of low wages is not merely a by-product of market forces but is seen by some as a deliberate design to maintain a large pool of workers who are economically vulnerable. This vulnerability ensures that these workers are less likely to demand higher wages or better working conditions, as they cannot afford to risk their jobs. Additionally, many of these low-wage jobs offer few benefits and little job security, further exacerbating economic insecurity.
Systemic Functionality
The argument is that without this combination of widespread debt and low wages, the U.S. economy would struggle to function as it currently does. High levels of consumer spending, driven by debt, are crucial for economic growth. Meanwhile, low wages help keep costs down for businesses, particularly in labour-intensive industries, which in turn helps maintain profit margins and stock prices.
This system of debt and low wages is self-perpetuating. People enter into debt to cover expenses that their wages cannot, which in turn forces them to continue working in low-wage jobs to pay off that debt, often with little hope of upward mobility. This creates a cycle of economic dependency that benefits the overall economy but at great cost to individual economic freedom and well-being.
The Bigger Picture
Critics of this system argue that it represents a modern form of economic exploitation, where the benefits of economic growth are not evenly distributed. The wealth generated by this system tends to concentrate among the upper echelons of society, while a significant portion of the population remains in a state of perpetual economic insecurity.
In summary, the “Debt-Based Coolie Economy” is a critique of how the U.S. economy structurally necessitates both widespread debt and low wages to function effectively. This system benefits those at the top while ensuring that a large portion of the population remains economically dependent and vulnerable.
I was shocked at the federal minimum wage. State minimum, atleast in my state are double, damn near triple the fed.
Cool. Now do median wage.
The minimum in Canada is double the US federal amount as well
# Top 20 Countries with the highest minimum wage in 2020 (US$):
Australia $17.47
New Zealand $16.10
Luxembourg $15.43
Germany $14.68
United Kingdom $14.27
Ireland $13.96
France $13.33
Belgium $12.15
Netherlands $11.98
Monaco $11.88
Canada $11.60
South Korea $11.50
San Marino $10.93
Israel $9.48
Iran $9.13
Argentina $8.55
Spain $8.39
Slovenia $8.21
Japan $8.14
Andorra $8
The US doesn’t even make it to top 20 at 7.25
Yeah… but we have vending machines that distribute ammunition. So, there is that.
Does anyone in this country actually make minimum wage? I couldn’t imagine any business could keep a person for one day paying 7.25