New Jersey stands out as one of the few states in the United States that successfully reached and surpassed the target of a $15 per hour minimum wage for most employees by 2024. Governor Murphy signed legislation in February 2019 with the intention of enhancing the quality of life and economic security of low-wage workers. Despite the positive intentions, this shift faced resistance, notably from the fast-food industry, heavily reliant on low-wage labor. In this blog, we delve into the repercussions of the minimum wage increase on the fast-food sector in New Jersey and examine potential implications for its future.
Impact on Employment
Critics often argue that elevating the minimum wage results in job cuts as businesses grapple with increased labor costs. However, studies, including the influential work of Nobel Prize-winning economist David Card and Alan Krueger, challenged this notion.
Their research, conducted in the early 1990s, analyzed over 400 fast-food restaurants in New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania, demonstrating that the minimum wage hike did not lead to a decrease in employment. Subsequent research by economists from Princeton University and the University of California, Berkeley, covering the period from 2013 to 2019, supported this by revealing no adverse effects on employment or hours in the fast-food industry.
Compensation Considerations
While the minimum wage increase did not necessarily reduce employment, it did impact other facets of workers’ compensation. A recent study examining the effects of minimum wage increases in Seattle found that, on average, workers in stores subject to the hike experienced reduced weekly hours, less access to benefits, and less predictable schedules. This resulted in an average 11.6% decrease in total compensation for every $1 increase in the minimum wage.
Tipped workers, like servers and delivery drivers, face unique challenges. In New Jersey, the minimum cash wage for tipped workers is $5.26 per hour, with a tip credit of $9.87. However, if the total falls below the state minimum wage, employers must bridge the gap. This situation may limit the benefits tipped workers derive from the minimum wage hike, potentially leading to reduced tips.
The Future Landscape
The consequences of the minimum wage increase in New Jersey for the fast-food industry are a mix of positive outcomes, such as increased wages and employment, and negative impacts on compensation and tips. Looking ahead, the long-term effects remain uncertain, as the minimum wage will continue to rise annually based on the Consumer Price Index. Furthermore, the industry faces additional challenges like heightened competition, evolving consumer preferences, and technological innovations such as automation.
In adapting to these changes, some fast-food chains may turn to automation, employing self-ordering kiosks, mobile apps, and robots to enhance efficiency and cut labor costs. Others may explore diversification, incorporating healthier menu options or catering to specific niches. The key for the fast-food industry in New Jersey lies in successfully navigating these economic and social shifts while balancing the interests of workers, customers, and owners.