The winds of change are certainly blowing. Take, for example, the recent news out of California, where plans are in motion to raise the minimum wage for fast food workers to an astonishing $20 per hour. On the surface, it sounds like a win for workers, doesn’t it? But wait – there’s a twist in this tale that might just knock your socks off.

Picture this: a couple of Pizza Hut establishments have made the bold decision to cease their delivery services altogether. That means a staggering 2,041 jobs that used to bring in a respectable $15.50 per hour, with a projected increase to $16 per hour on the horizon, have suddenly vanished into thin air.

Yes, customers can still get their Pizza Hut fix, but now they must rely on the likes of Door Dash and Uber Eats for their deep dish cravings. And here’s the catch – these drivers aren’t paid an hourly wage and don’t receive any benefits. They are responsible for their own taxes and are essentially on their own if things go awry.

While it’s true that some delivery drivers are earning a tidy sum, that isn’t the case for everyone. Times are tough, and those who have been laid off may find themselves struggling to make ends meet.

But here’s the thing – the politicians who eagerly championed the $20 per hour minimum wage were well aware of these ramifications. It wasn’t an unforeseen glitch in the system; it was a deliberate component. Experts have long warned that such drastic wage increases would inevitably lead to job cuts – it’s Economics 101.

This issue goes beyond mere finances – it delves into the skills these workers possess, the job market in their area, and how businesses will navigate the added expenses. And what about the individuals who never intended to remain in entry-level positions like these, yet now find themselves grappling to support their families on meagre fast food wages?

It’s a tangled web of complications, without a doubt. But it doesn’t have to be this way. What we truly need are innovative solutions that enable individuals to climb the economic ladder, rather than just a boosted pay packet. The crux of the matter lies in our leaders’ unwillingness to confront the real issues head-on.

So, what’s the bottom line? There is a lot to digest, but hey, at least you can still indulge in that Blizzard. These are certainly unprecedented times we find ourselves in.