I think Biden's anecdote about this father is more of a relic of the "good ol' days".
In the 1950's minimum wage wasn't nearly as insulting as it is today. Production and efficiency have risen exponentially with technology, while wages remain linear. Corporations have been taking it all for themselves for the past 70+ years. I think there was more pride in one's job back then.
Imagine if we got paid twice as much. It would make a big difference and they can afford it but they act like they can't.
That being said, I've claimed multiple times that the industrial revolution killed work ethic. Getting paid hourly/yearly takes away a lot of the incentive to work harder/smarter.