The internet quickly formed opinions when a Costco employee shared her hourly wage on TikTok. Some people thought she was making too little. Others were happy that Costco, such a large corporation would pay its employees so well.
The seemingly harmless video shines a light on an issue that’s permeated the American labor force for centuries: wage discrepancy.
The now-viral TikTok is leaving many users asking who deserves high wages, and most importantly, who doesn’t?
Does Costco Pay Too Much?
“And it’s union… gotta love Costco,” Natalie wrote in her TikTok video’s caption. Natalie and her coworker danced to Costco music. During the video, Natalie claims to make $29.50 “just to draw smiley faces on receipts.”
According to NPR the average national minimum wageIs $11.80 As of May 2019, Natalie is believed to be living in California, however. living wageA single adult will pay $18.66 an hour.
“Overpaid, underskilled,” wrote one unhappy TikTok user. Another user who works in the medical field added, “I’m out here saving lives. You’re putting smiley faces on paper. And we make the same pay… make it make sense.”
Still, others were supportive of Costco’s hourly wages. “I love Costco for this reason,” one user wrote. “Also, it shows that people pay their employees well. They all seem happy to work and super friendly.”
“People mad about her making $29/hr are the same people who think they deserve $200k a year,” another user added.
Who’s To Blame?
Most users upset with Natalie felt a Costco employee shouldn’t earn as much or more than workers in other fields like health care, education, and tech. But is it the fault of a wholesale store employee for a national shortage of fair wages?
According to one Tiktok user–no, they’re not. “This happens so often,” the user said. “People in certain fields feel they should be making way more than people working ‘easier’ jobs like retail or food service or whatever.”
“If you think it’s unfair that you and this person make the same pay,” they continue, “maybe you should be upset with your employer instead of another working-class person.”
Better Pay For Everyone–Retail Workers Included
In a follow-up video@mothsfield, a TikTok user, elaborated on this argument. “The central point to this argument is that everyone deserves to get paid more,” they begin. “The point isn’t that those people are stupid for complaining. They’re aiming in the wrong direction.”
“When you punch down at retail and service workers, you further the agenda that the upper classes want to push, which is they are not responsible for your suffering–other people in your position or similar positions are.”
“The minute that people realize we shouldn’t blame each other, we should blame our bosses, owners, CEOs, insurance adjusters—they’re going to be in really big trouble,” they continue. “Until then, people are just going to keep punching sideways.”
The majority of Americans work in the lower or middle classes. American workers can have the greatest commonality across classes.
These workers might also be available for a second chance Do make good money, we shouldn’t resent them for it. Instead, we should celebrate their success, support them, as well as continue fighting for better wages.
Holiday Shopping
Forget Video Games And Dolls–These Interactive Projects For Kids Is The Best Gift For Any Child On Your List
I’m Giving Everyone On My Holiday Shopping List This Genius Tinted Powder Sunscreen-Here’s Why
These highly rated hair products make salon quality hair at home.
Get Unlimited 5G Service Starting at $25/Month in the Holiday Season. Plus, other amazing deals
This innovative line of clean, fruit-pigmented makeup makes the perfect stocking stuffer
This Relaxing Mini Massage Gun Makes The Perfect Gift For Anyone On Your List-Here’s Why
Luxuriously soft PJs, Towels and Sheets are the ultimate comfort gifts
The Best Indulgent Spa Products to Pamper Your Loved During the Holiday Season
The Best Gifts to Give Someone Who Has Everything (And Says He Wants Nothing)
These gift baskets are perfect for everyone on your holiday shopping list.
