I'm a businessperson. Well, not really, but humor me:

[taught_me_patience]

11. Here are some reasons

#1) Business is extremely competitive. Competition is fierce and consumers are picky, which makes profits margins every low for most business. It makes its nearly impossible to pay above market wages and remain competitive. Therefore, individual businesses have little power, on their own, to really affect wages.

#2) The actual market for a business needs to be huge relative to the day to day volume. A small retail store might need 5,000 customers to remain viable. Paying ten associates more would have no impact on increasing business

#3) Consumers don't actually care about high value employee service and vote with their wallets on price.

#4) Many businesses know where they stand. The person running the corner Subway franchise knows sandwich making is a low end job and not a career. They know people do not last long in the role. It is up to the individual to move on and make more money for themselves. Most business people I know are not cruel or heartless... they actually want people to succeed. Many of them will actually encourage people to move on for a better position even when it is detrimental to their business.

#5) Many business people are moderate/liberal democrats who are trying to do right to their employees.