QuoteIt's also possible that McDonald's keeps its prices down overseas by squeezing more productivity out of its workers. Researchers studying the impact of minimum wage increases on American fast food chains in the Deep South have found that while restaurants mostly cope by their raising prices, they also respond by handing their employees more responsibility. It stands to reason that in places like Europe and Australia, managers have found ways to get more mileage out of their staff as well.



Or if not, they've at least managed to replace a few of them with computers. As Michael Schaefer, an analyst with Euromonitor International, told me, fast food franchises in Europe have been some of the earliest adopters of touchscreen kiosks that let customers order without a cashier. As always, the peril of making employees more expensive is that machines become cheaper in comparison.



Finally, McDonald's has also helped its bottom line abroad by experimenting with higher margin menu items while trying to court more affluent customers. Way back in 1993, for instance, Australia became home to the first McCafe coffee shops, which sell highly profitable espresso drinks. During the last decade, meanwhile, the company gave its European restaurants a designer make-over and began offering more localized menus meant to draw a higher spending crowd.



So if President Obama waved a magic wand tomorrow and raised the minimum wage to $10 or $15, does this all mean that U.S. fast food chains would be able to cope? "Were that to happen overnight, it would be a hugely traumatic process," Schaefer told me. After all, virtually every fast food franchise in the country would have to rethink its business model as their profits evaporated. But as the international market shows, the models are out there. It would certainly mean more expensive burgers. It would almost definitely mean fewer workers, as restaurants found ways to streamline their staffs, either through better management or technology. And it might mean fewer chains catering to the bottom of the market.

http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2013/08/the-magical-world-where-mcdonalds-pays-15-an-hour-its-australia/278313/">http://www.theatlantic.com/business/arc ... ia/278313/">http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2013/08/the-magical-world-where-mcdonalds-pays-15-an-hour-its-australia/278313/

Quote from: "Romero"

Quote from: "Shen Li"Jeezuz, I have already shown you at least twice now where there have been problems for the small business owner but I will explain it one last time. [size=200]Canadian, European and Australian franchisees had to become more productive per worker, reduce the number of employees, use automation to replace employees, sell more expensive menu items plus raise their prices to accommodate higher wage costs and so will American franchisees. [/size]



Get it now? Take money out of the owner's pocket and he will have to seek creative ways to recoup his loss of income.

I would need to see a source other than an opinion piece. I've seen no evidence of it happening.

Quote from: "Romero"

Quote from: "Renee"

Quote from: "Shen Li"
You keep repeating yourself after it has been clearly explained to you why wages are not the same at every McDonald's franchise all over the world.



One more time,
You realize you just quoted Shen Li repeating herself?



Do I sound offended? On the contrary, I love pointing out your hypocrisy! I love the fact that you're incapable of holding an adult discussion. Please, keep 'em coming!

Really; you're not offended? Then stop crying about being called names when you act like a jackass.



I you want me to continue to make you look like a bleeding heart fool without punctuating my efforts it with appropriate labels for your stupidity, then fine. I can make you look dumb enough without have to come right out and say it.  It's that much less I have to type.



BTW it's impossible to have an adult conversation with someone who just repeats himself over and over again. It makes about as much sense as arguing with a parrot.