I work at a relatively small, private, manufacturing place in plastics, 60-80 workers – closer towards 80. I work part time. I've been going to school in a completely different field but stayed here because my department head is so so so flexible. Ill plan out my semester, print out a copy and give it to him and I'll work it. HOWEVER: I've been getting 3-5% raises every year but barely keep up with company minimum wage. I got a raise to $10/hr, the company min wage got raised to 12. I lose all benefits of those past years and new hires are paid the same if not more and I have to answer their questions when I'm working. I got a considerable annual raise of 5% but my boss says I'm considerably underpaid with my improvement. I then turned 21 so I could enroll in 401k benefits. The company is generous and offers a 3% raise to combat contributions. The company recently raises the min wage to 14. I am now going to make the same as all new hires… 6 years of part time experience (2 years of hs). I get the same as all new ppl despite my experience, because the base increases, no difference of raises to base as it should. I get no benefit for my experience or performance. As I move into my new industry, I cannot wait to leave the entry level shitstorm and moral breaking reality of our system. When we ask for increase in minimum wages, let's not forget to add percentage increases for past raises for experienced employees (lets say 5 yrs experience, take the new min wage increase, add the raise percentage…. or atleat give me a dollar or two more than the greens getting hired) Ontop of all this apparently (from conversation with a couple of managers) the owner is buying property to start other businesses in the industry of his hobby as just an investor in the mid six figure range as a figure for his investments. Just showing he's taking out money that could be funding these payroll changes. ALSO, its shows that he has six figures to throw away as an investment.