Commission invites people to chart the path to $15-an-hour minimum wage
Over the next six weeks, British Columbians have the opportunity to share their perspective on the path to raising B.C.’s minimum wage to $15 an hour.
The Fair Wages Commission is seeking input on the timing of wage increases for the general workforce, as well as looking at wage fairness for liquor servers, live-in camp leaders, home support workers, resident caretakers and certain farm workers.
Beginning today until Dec. 7, 2017, the commission is providing two ways for people to participate. The commission will hold in-person consultations in eight communities around the province. Individuals, businesses and organizations can schedule a time to present to the commission. People are also invited to submit a brief or other written feedback by sending an email to FWC@gov.bc.ca.
In-person consultations will be held in the following communities (in bold are the locations most accessible from Sooke):
- Nov. 16 – Abbotsford
- Nov. 17 – Nanaimo
- Nov. 21 – Kelowna
- Nov. 23 – Vancouver
- Nov. 28 – Prince George
- Nov. 29 – Victoria
- Nov. 30 – Surrey
- Dec. 7 – Cranbrook
The Fair Wages Commission was established by the Ministry of Labour in October 2017 to advise government on how to move towards a $15-an-hour minimum wage with increases that are regular, measured and predictable. This arm’s-length commission has been directed to consult with economists, trade unions, the technology sector, small businesses, youth and others from all regions of the province.
The commission’s first task is to advise the government on a timeline for raising minimum wages. It will also advise on a process for regular reviews and increases to the minimum wage once $15 an hour is achieved. The commission has also been tasked to study and make recommendations on dealing with the discrepancy between the minimum wage and a living wage in B.C.
For more information about how to participate, visit the Fair Wages Commission online.
Related
- Commission invites people to chart the path to $15-an-hour minimum wage
- B.C. sets sights on $15-an-hour minimum wage, reaffirms commitment to a fair wages commission
- Study busts myths about who benefits from $15 minimum wage
- Ontario introduces $15 minimum wage, equal pay and benefits for all workers
- Johnny Rockets launches in Victoria with $15 an hour starting wage
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reduce taxes for those earning a low income
There’s a great example of what happens to a company when they pay “fair, livable” wages.
A couple Tim Horton locations in Canada are located in hospitals. A Tim Horton franchise in Canada, in a good locations, is usually considered a license to print money. They are incredibly profitable. A large hospital is an outstanding location.
A couple hospitals required the franchise to pay workers the hospital’s union wages, of around $22/hr plus benefits. The result? Those locations LOST 1/4 to 1/2 a million dollars per YEAR, despite limited open hours and very high sales volumes. The hospitals subsidized the losses.
So, who’s willing to pay $5 for a regular (not specialty) coffee? Or would you go next door to the store that’s paying minimum wage and buy a $2 coffee? If you say you will buy that $5 coffee, will you continue to buy it every day?