Celebrating Wage Equality: Powerline Worker Cheers for Fast Food Employees

A tweet by A.S.L., known by the username @scraptown79, has gone viral for its uplifting message about wage equality. The tweet features a bearded individual wearing a cap in the profile picture and reads, "I build powerlines for a living, and I make a good, union, wage. If a bunch of burger flippers started earning the same wages and benefits that I make, dude... I'd be celebrating with them and their families! Working people are my people! Their win is my win!"

The tweet has sparked a robust discussion online, highlighting the importance of fair wages across all job sectors. One user pointed out, "If them earning a living wage offends you because 'they make what I do now'… guess what? You might be underpaid. Maybe discuss that with your boss." Another user added, "California raised minimum wage for fast food workers to $20. For 30 days that is $3,240. After taxes that is roughly $2,160 a month. If you live in or around the Bay Area your rent is going to be pretty close to that amount, so expect roommates or living with parents. After insurance, fuel at around $4.90 a gallon, phone, and food, $20 is not a living wage. That is a survival wage and one bad day away from living outside. And no chance of saving money."

The conversation didn't stop there. Others chimed in about the ripple effect of increasing minimum wage. "People forget that if the 'minimum' wage goes up, then there WILL be impacts further up the chain, and other wages will also increase as a matter of market pressure," one comment noted. Another user emphasized, "Wanting other people to be poor because you are getting underpaid and overworked is weird, all our energy should be put into making corporations pay people a fair wage to be able to live."

Solidarity was a common theme in the responses. "Solidarity forever!" one user exclaimed. "Pay workers more and keep prices down," another suggested. "This causes the populace to have excess wealth, which in turn means everyone is buying more goods and services. Which results in less profit spikes but more consistent numbers/growth. It becomes very viable long-term, creates a stable economy, and ensures that there are fewer gaps between poor and wealthy."

The tweet by A.S.L. and the ensuing comments underline a crucial point: fair wages are not just a matter of financial survival but a step toward economic stability and social equity. The tweet continues to gather momentum, acting as a rallying cry for wage equality and better working conditions for all.