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Is it trick or treat for minimum wage earners? asks the B.C. Federation of Labour
October 30, 2007
$10 NOW petition to be tabled in legislature
VICTORIA-On the eve of the sixth anniversary of BC's last minimum wage increase, the B.C. Federation of Labour is asking whether minimum wage earners are in for a "trick or treat" from the Campbell government, says President, Jim Sinclair.
A Delegation of community groups and low-wage earners joined Sinclair in Victoria today to meet with provincial MLAs regarding the Federation's Campaign to boost BC's minimum wage to $10. "Six years without an increase is simply too long," Sinclair said. "It's time to boost BC's minimum wage to $10 so no one is working for poverty wages.
"The provincial government claims economic times are good, but doesn't want to ensure that everyone benefits," said Sinclair. Gordon Campbell had no problem voting himself a 54 percent wage increase, but won't do the same for minimum-wage earners."
To ensure that any full time worker meets or exceeds the Low-Income Cut-off, as established by Statistics Canada, BC's hourly wage must increase to $10.
"Even Campbell's own advisors have warned him about the growing inequality facing BC," Sinclair added, noting the BC Progress Board's findings that, "for some time now, the proportion of the population falling below the low-income threshold has been greater in BC than all other provinces." The Board has also warned that not maintaining the minimum wage in real terms could add to increased costs for any tax credit plans aimed at making work pay for low-income earners.
The Delegation will also be attending the opening of the afternoon session of the legislature where it is anticipated that the Federation's $10 NOW petition will be tabled.
Over 40,000 people have signed the $10 NOW petition, as well, some 30 municipal councils, the Union of BC Municipalities, important community organizations and even some business groups all back efforts to win a higher minimum wage.
According to recent statistics, close to a quarter million BC workers earn less than $10.
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For more information contact: Jessie Uppal 604-430-1421 or 604-220-0739
