CNN News, March 6, 2013
DON LEMON … The push to raise the minimum wage just got influential support of the CEO of Costco. Craig Jelinek told an advocacy group that better wages make better employees.
Alison Kosik is at the New York Stock Exchange now. So Alison how much could his support influence the new push to raise the minimum wage?
KOSIK: Well you know Don. It certainly doesn't hurt to have big business behind your cause. Jelinek was actually quoted in a release from the group called "Business for a Fair Minimum Wage" and in it he's basically is throwing his support behind legislation that looks to gradually raise the federal minimum wage from where it is right $7.25 up to $10.10.
But -- but he's not just talking the talk. He walks the walk too. Because Jelinek said that Costco's starting wage is above, that it's at $11.50 which [he] says actually makes it easier to attract great employees and actually retain them. He says you know it's more profitable in the long-term to minimize the turnover of your employees and to maximize productivity.
Other companies are also supporting this movement, they include ABC Home and clothing retailer Eileen Fisher. Now right now just 19 states here in the U.S. pay above the federal minimum wage. ...
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