Unifor recommends fast-tracking $15 minimum wage

VANCOUVER, Dec. 4, 2017 /CNW/ - In a written submission to the Fair Wage Commission, Unifor is recommending an immediate adoption of the $15 minimum wage to alleviate poverty and stimulate the economy.

"Any way you look at it, B.C.'s current minimum wage is a poverty sentence," said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. "There is no time to waste. B.C. should raise the minimum wage to $15 now."

Unifor's submission comprehensively reviews the research on the impacts of raising the minimum wage, including a historical review of the province's wage floor. The union is also recommending the elimination of the sub-minimum wages that drag down earning in classifications such as liquor servers and live-in home support workers. To view the union's submission visit unifor.org/makeitfair.

"The new government is commended for getting right to work on meeting its commitment to the hard-working British Columbians," said Joie Warnock, Unifor Western Regional Director. "A $15 minimum wage will make a massive difference for low-wage workers and there is no reason to delay."

In order to ensure that B.C.'s lowest-paid don't fall behind again in the future, Unifor recommends that the Fair Wage Commission become a permanent body to review and increase the minimum wage as required.

When British Columbia moves to a $15 per hour minimum wage, it will join neighbouring Alberta and Seattle and better help tens of thousands of low wage workers make ends meet.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

SOURCE Unifor