I’m in Aus and near me hashbrowns are $2.80, so almost exactly the same (US$1.83). The difference is I can buy 8 hashbrowns with change for an hour at minimum wage here. That’s still double the number you could get, even at this cheaper price.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 8 months ago (1 children)

it's still pathetic though.

Minimum wage should be enough to support a family.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 8 months ago (1 children)

I’m not sure if you’re saying Australia’s or the US’ is pathetic. Aussie one could definitely use an improvement in my opinion, and I think the US one does get brought up too much in discussions here about minimum wage. Like yeah, compared to them we look great. But it needs a big boost to cover the cost of living crisis.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (1 children)

Aussie. I am Aussie, both are pathetic though.

The minimum someone should be paid is enough to support a full and happy life + retirement.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 8 months ago (1 children)

While I agree 100%, ours is at least tied to CPI so it’s real value hasn’t fallen over time like the US’ has.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Kinda? I think basically everyone now is realising that CPI doesn't properly account for living costs of the underclasses. Given the like widespread increases in homelessness we're seeing and associated rent/mortgage stress.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Look, that’s fair. You could absolutely make a good argument that CPI doesn’t cover the real inflation rate. The ‘Vimes Boots’ Index proves as much. But I kinda get frustrated when people directly compare our systems as if they’re equally shit. We’re starting from a way better place, even if we should get more.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 8 months ago

I feel like anything that violates human dignity is unacceptable, and degrees only really make sense to determine if we can't work on them all at once. Pointing out that things are worse in the USA is sort of like pointing out that there are people in war zones who'd love to be homeless in australia. There's not really acceptable levels of human misery to dole out, particularly in one of the wealthiest per capita nations that have ever existed in all of human history.

Our education system is crumbling, our wages are completely fucked, our health system is collapsing, we've pillaged our infrastructure and natural resources. Like yeah, it's worse in the USA but that doesn't make it better.