‘No, I don’t understand’: Costco CEO stuns Lindsey Graham during disagreement over minimum wage increase

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Costco CEO Craig Jelinek clashed with Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) on Thursday about the need for a minimum wage increase.

Graham opened his remarks at the Senate Budget Committee hearing by insisting that a minimum wage increase would hurt small businesses in his state. He argued that lawmakers would have “decades” to discuss a wage increase but said now is “not the time” because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The South Carolina Republican then directed a series of questions to Jelinek, who testified that Costco is paying its employees at least $15 per hour. Continue reading.