I think pople have forgotten that workers are an asset to a business not a burden. If you treat them well and pay them a fair living wage they will work harder and be loyal. COSTO is a good example. We have forgotten that employers have a responsibility to both their communities and their workers and if you can't meet those responsibilities you shouldn't be in business. 

Remember we are talking about a minimum wage, what you need to get by, not a middle class wage, not what you should get if you go to collage or have a special certification or skill set. So I would ask this. What is a fair living wage? How many hours should a person have to work to support their family? What responsibilities dose an employer have to their workers and their community? What responsibility dose a worker have to their boss? And lastly how hard should a person "have" to work just to get by? And I'm sorry but "as hard and as long as it takes" is a BS answer and a copout.