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BC Fed calls on Liberal cabinet minister Pat Bell to stay out of minimum wage debate
January 16, 2008
Cabinet minister voted himself raise but workers at the fast food restaurant he owns earn minimum wage
Prince George-BC Liberal Agriculture Minister should stay out of any cabinet discussions on the minimum wage, says B.C. Federation of Labour President, Jim Sinclair.
Standing in front a Prince George Wendy's Restaurant, owned by Bell and his family, Sinclair noted that Bell had no problems voting himself a 29 percent wage increase, but workers employed at the Wendy's franchises are paid BC's minimum wage of only $8 an hour.
"Pat Bell is a hypocrite. He voted himself and other MLAs a raise but to BC's lowest-paid workers, he's saying not a penny more," Sinclair added.
Sinclair also called on Bell to stay out of any cabinet discussions on the future of BC's minimum wage. "It's pretty clear why Pat Bell opposes a $10 minimum wage, because he'd have to pay it himself.
"It's surprising to hear some Liberal MLAs claim they don't know of anyone paying or earning BC's minimum wage, yet all they had to do was take a look around at their own cabinet table.
"It's time for Minister Bell to show leadership on this issue. He could start by raising the wages of his fast-food employees to $10 per hour."
Sinclair noted that in addition to Bell, MLAs John Nuraney and Gordon Hogg also have personal stakes in fast food restaurants.
Over 55,000 people have signed the $10 NOW Petition, as well, some 31 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.
