I have worked for the same ice cream shop for 3 years. Not to brag but I'm one of about 3 people that actually keep up with tasks such as cleaning daily. Gross I know.
I went away to college and am now home for the summer and went back to the shop. When I saw the owners in person I asked for a raise.
They said no.
After telling me that I got a raise, referring to minimum wage going up a dollar. I told them that's not a raise that's the minimum, and then they tried to guilt trip me that they too are suffering and can't afford to give me a raise.
I'm home for about 2 months. They can't afford to pay me even 50¢ more for 2 months during their busiest season? Bullshit.
Today they gave me a $25 gift card to Wawa for “everything I do.” I assume they're referring to actually cleaning things properly.
Another fun fact, they raise their prices every year to make up for the minimum wage increase my state does every year.
That $25 is the same as a family of 5 getting a small soft serve cone for each member.
At least the tips are good this year.