By JO-MARIE BAKER
Like many teenagers, Chloe Stirling is saving money to buy her first car _ and her savings plan just got a whole lot easier.
Earlier this month young McDonald's workers across the country had their pay lifted from $9 to $12 an hour ahead of a law change to
boost the minimum wage, which comes into effect today. .
"It was a bit of a surprise," the Tauranga Girls' College student said.
"I was quite stoked when I was told.
"I wasn't expecting it at all."
She was now putting the extra cash into her savings account and said she was more motivated than ever to come to work.
"I'm happy to work. It's a likeable job. But the extra money is quite a big difference. I can still spend money on myself and put some away."
The move is costing her employer, John Warder, an extra $4000 in staff wages each week _ that's more than $200,000 a year.
While the 11th Ave/Cameron Rd McDonald's owner supported the rise in minimum wage rates, he said it was ``a huge increase' and added further pressure to what was already a tough time for businesses.
About half of his 120 staff have been given the $3-an-hour pay rise, and rising dairy prices and interest rates were eating into profit margins.
"It's an interesting time. A lot of the things we're doing we need to do.
"They will have a payback as the years go on."
Mr Werder hoped the pay rise would encourage staff to stay on longer, and help save money in training costs.
"It's a tough market.
"But you weather the storm and you have to do what you think is right for your business long term."
