In This Section
Union movement challenges Campbell to give BC's poorest British Columbians a raise as Labour Day present
August 30, 2006
B.C. Federation of Labour President Jim Sinclair today challenged Premier Gordon Campbell to give BC’s poorest British Columbians a raise, with a three-part Labour Day gift that would benefit minimum wage earners and welfare recipients. "Come on, Premier, give these folks a raise," Sinclair said. "Corporate profits are taking a record share of the province’s wealth, CEOs are reaping multi-million dollar pay increases and even political staff and deputies are being handing 20 percent raises. "It’s long past time to help the 1.8 million British Columbians earning under $30,000 a year." The Federation is proposing elimination of the $6 an hour training wage, a raise in the $8 minimum wage to $10 and an increase in income assistance. "The minimum wage hasn’t increased for five years," Sinclair said, "and the training wage delivered a cut of 25 percent to new workers. It’s got to go. "Income assistance hasn’t increased in real terms for 20 years and the province has no housing program at all," he added. "That simple change would reduce homelessness and poverty. If BC really is the ‘best place in the world,’ as the government claims, these are simple steps." Sinclair said the minimum wage changes are one element of a five-part plan the labour movement is advocating to improve the living standards and income security of working families. The plan includes calls for the best employment standards in Canada, a commitment to safe workplaces, balanced labour laws, universal childcare and decent pensions. Sinclair issued the challenge to Campbell in his Labour Day message. The full text of the message is attached. To view Jim's video Labour Day message, please click here. - 30 - For more information: Geoff Meggs 604-430-1421
GM/cw
cope 15
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| Jim Sinclair: 2006 Labour Day Message | 77.26 KB |
Related content:
