Over recent years there’s been a massive debate in the U.S. over the idea that people have a right to a “living wage.” We all know how the cost of living has gone up while wages have not, for the most part. Some might even argue that wages have gone down as many good-paying U.S. manufacturing jobs are no longer on American shores. In overseas countries that pay their workers a lot less than they would pay Americans doing the same position. And some of the manufacturing jobs were even moved to American prisons, where inmates make pennies an hour to perform tasks that would fetch $15 to $25 an hour on the outside. However, employers are bright spots, namely the wholesale giant Costco.
The company has a reputation for paying their employees top dollar for their labor and for years has been considered one of the best companies in the world to work for. However, some folks feel that Costco employees are overpaid for their work. And a recent video posted by a Costco employee sparked another considerable debate over how much companies should pay for “low-skill” labor.
You’ve never visited a Costco. It is a genuinely pleasant shopping experience. Many stores even have a cafeteria that has some fantastic foods. Customers love to hang out for hours shopping for bulk supplies while enjoying an immensely customer-friendly atmosphere. However, one very well-paid Costco employee recently made waves with a controversial TikTok video she took while at work.
Natalie’s recent video reveals how much employees are said to be making at Costco. According to the worker, the only thing she does to earn her paycheck is drawn smiley faces on customer receipts.
The video has received over 2 million likes and thousands of comments so far.
Many folks compare what they make to what she makes for doing an “easy” job.
However, another TikToker, who also happens to be a Costco employee, made a video responding to Natalie’s.
But, it was far from a negative response toward her fellow Costco alum, but rather a video defending her and calling out all of her critics.
Khaleah says that she’d read many of the negative comments online before in which people try to shame those making good money for work they deem less demanding.
She notes that most of the negative comments come from people who claim they work in healthcare.
In response, Khaleah says that people shouldn’t hate Costco employees for how much they are making but rather take that energy and address their employers’ value on their labor.
She argues those critics need to take the issue up with the corporations and companies that don’t believe in paying a living wage.
You can watch Natalie’s video below.
@natnatt21 And it’s union.. gotta love Costco #fyp #NBCAnnieLive #workbesties #costco #viral
And you can watch Khaleah’s video below.
@mothsfield #greenscreen it’s frustrating bc it’s like you’re so close you’re SO fucking close
What do you think? Is Costco really paying employees $30 an hour just to draw on receipts? And if they are, is this a problem? Let us know in the comments section, and please be so kind as to pass this story on to your friends and family?