By Peter Stresinco
The Pueblo Chieftain, September 14, 2016
To raise the minimum wage in Colorado is not a job killer but a means for people to get off government services and is a question of human dignity, according to advocates promoting Amendment 70, a mandatory minimum wage increase that would reach $12 an hour by 2020 if voters agree in November. ...
Mike Hartkop, co-founder and owner of Solar Roast Coffee here, said that by offering higher than the minimum wage to his employees, $10 an hour, has greatly reduced his turnover and has resulted in happier customers and employees.
“Restaurant turnover is 65 percent a year,” Hartkop said. “We got fed up with training people. Our minimum wage is $10, not including tips. Our turnover has dropped in half. And that includes people we let go.”
He said that with the additional income, his employees have purchased new cars and even houses in Pueblo.
“If you pay someone $8 an hour, they don’t have enough money to pay for houses or cars. If you pay $10 they suddenly do.
“I have employees who will be with me for years because I pay them really well when compared with national chains. When you pay somebody livable wages they’ll work for you, and it’s possible for little employers such as myself to do it and we’re proud of it.
“Our goal is to hit $15 by 2020. Maybe I’m crazy, but if a small businessman in Pueblo can do it, it can be done in the whole state.” ...
Copyright 2016 The Pueblo Chieftain