Poland’s minimum wage exceeds US federal rate for first time
Poland’s minimum hourly wage has, for the first time, surpassed the federal minimum wage in the United States. On 1 January, the minimum wage in Poland rose to 30.50 zloty per hour before tax, which at the average exchange rate so far this year is $7.35
You're viewing a single thread.
I have to admit, I'm somewhat confounded by the choice of countries here. I guess it's minor bragging rights for Poland? The US federal rate is 21st in the world, from what I can look up (presumably before Poland slipped in there, so... 22nd, I guess?), and the average minimum wage is 10th (and still higher than Poland's, incidentally).
I don't know that "random country in the middle of the pack loses/gains one more position" seems super newsworthy.
Well presumably a Polish dedicated website would be looking at this even from a Polish perspective.
Newsworthy does not only mean important to Americans.
Yeah, it's just... have some self-esteem, you know? We expect you to do better for your own sake in this house, Poland. No need to keep comparing yourself to the US just because you think it's popular. I promise you the US doesn't like itself that much, either.
I mean, if the US jumped off a bridge would you? We like you, Poland, but you have to learn to value yourself for who you are.
I imagine from Polands point of view, it is another step towards being a wealthy country, rather than a poor country on the edge of Europe. It’s not necessarily bad to compare, nor does it change things in Poland. However, knowing that you get paid the same as many in the USA, with, I would assume, cheaper prices for most things and better social support is a big deal for those on minimum wage. 50 years ago, countries like Poland looked up to the USA. Now they are seen as a larger peer, but it’s less about the USAs decline, more polands arrival.
I don't know if you're Polish, but if they see themselves like that it's probably time to stop. Not only are they the 10th largest economy in the EU, but even looking at GDP per capita they easily lead the pack among the Eastern European members.
Look, I get it, it's easy to carry that sense of history having made you miss the boat when it comes to European/Western standards. Been there, done that. For whatever is worth, Poland has been out there as a tech hub and a mid-sized player in the EU for long enough I haven't thought of them that way for at least this decade.
I think of them as being one of the early dumbasses to get their far right propped to power by general stupidity, which is another metric where they're trading blows with the US.
Can't win them all, I suppose.
