The poor, what are they good for?

Many countries have maintained an upper class by using the lower class and leaving it to remain in poverty.  I see the poor as a stepping point to the middle and upper class, and by offering jobs and better living conditions, the middle class becomes larger while reducing poverty.  This would seem great for the economy, but apparently the rich would rather have an army of minimum wage slaves to do their menial tasks such as crop picking or assembly. 

I see widespread low wage employment as a means to short economic gain, but an effort to decrease poverty and increase standard of living as a better long term economic gain that benefits more people rather than leaving the riches to only the top percent of the people.

Simplistic solution: Cut amount of workers in menial jobs by half, increase pay, tell FAT PEOPLE TO STOP STUFFING THEIR FACES SO MUCH!!!