Ok, so I realize I haven't been a member on here for even 24hrs yet, but I'm a fairly opinionated person, and although I don't do it in such a way that causes conflict, I do make them known... so, here goes....
My 'simple' take on this sorta thing is similar to most... I find it ridiculous for these workers to be demanding this sort of pay considering there is no training required, or even educational requirements or maybe I should say 'standards' instead of requirements.... Perfect example, I spent some time working in a steel mill performing various job tasks (everything from pushing a broom to mechanical/electrical maintenance) in an insane environment (very dirty, and extreme temperatures ex. this summer we had a stretch of days around 90*f outside, our indoor temps averaged 172 throughout those days). I have worked my @$$ off throughout my life in order to succeed and give my family a good life... I'm also very experienced and qualified in the telecommunications field as well as being a certified paramedic for the last 10yrs... well, the mill I was working in is slated for complete closure in the early spring. I have been searching and searching for a good job for the last year. I finally got into a very reputable company (to say counting my blessings is the understatement of the century) where we produce polystyrene and expandable polystyrene in it's raw form (styrofoam and rigid packing material beads that are used at another plant to produce the final product). Even after all my experience, training and certifications, this job starts out around the $18/hr range. Now, that's nothing to shake a stick at considering the mean starting wages in my area... HOWEVER, if asked if I think the work I perform and the potential hazards I work with on a daily basis, is worth more than $3/hr more than someone flipping burgers, my answer in short would be HELL YES I do!