Key Takeaways:
- British Columbia has the highest minimum wage in the country, and it is set to rise even higher shortly.
- The province says it will await the findings of the Fair Wages Commission before deciding whether future increases will be higher than inflation.
The minimum wage in British Columbia is the highest in the country, and it is about to increase even more.
On Monday, the province announced that minimum wage increases would be linked to inflation.
The minimum wage will increase to $15.65 per hour from $15.20 per hour on June 1 due to the change.
“This is done to ensure that wages keep up with inflation in a predictable manner.” “This also provides certainty for businesses,” said Harry Bains, the Minister of Labour.
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“This reflects the difficulties that workers face better.” Workers must be able to maintain their standard of living.”
The problem is that the increases will be based on the previous year’s average inflation increase.
In 2021, 6% of employees in B.C. were paid the minimum wage or less. Over half of the workers earning minimum wage or less were over 25, and 58 percent were women.
Even with the raises, B.C. is still far from achieving a living wage. Metro Vancouver’s living wage is $20.52 per hour.
Before deciding on whether future increases will be higher than inflation, the province says it will wait for the Fair Wages Commission report.
“We fully understand that businesses are suffering and that workers are still struggling to make ends meet,” Bains said.
“There is no link between minimum wage and job loss.” We are now the highest, with one of the best economies in the country. We now have 84,000 more workers than we did before COVID.”
The general minimum wage in British Columbia has risen from $11.35 to $15.65 per hour in the last five years.
The minimum daily wages for live-in camp leaders and live-in home support workers will also increase by 2.8 percent as of June 1.
“The increases in the minimum wage over the last few years have made a huge difference to me as well as my family,” said Agnes Estimo, a cleaner at the Metrotown shopping mall.
“I appreciate these timely changes, especially given the current inflation, but it also makes me feel valued and appreciated.”
Source: Global News
