COVID-19 pandemic - Minister Jean Boulet Confirms Minimum Wage Increase Effective May 1

QUÉBEC, April 15, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - To help mobilize workers, especially in the current context, the Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Solidarity and Minister Responsible for the Mauricie Region, Jean Boulet, is confirming that the minimum wage will increase by 60 cents on May 1, to $13.10 an hour.

The Gouvernement du Québec is thereby delivering on the promise it made on December 18, 2019. In raising the minimum wage, the government is boosting the purchasing power of low-income earners. The wage increase primarily applies to people working in areas constituting vital links in Québec's economy.

Effective May 1, 2020:  

• The general minimum wage rate will increase to $13.10 an hour (+60 cents).
• The minimum wage for workers making tips will go up to $10.45 an hour (+40 cents).
• The minimum wage for people engaged solely in picking raspberries or strawberries during a given pay period will increase to $3.89 (+18 cents) and $1.04 (+5 cents) per kilogram, respectively.

Quote:

"Our government is proud to be keeping its commitment to increase the minimum wage. This is a concrete step toward Québec's economic recovery. In addition to ensuring fair pay for the workers concerned, we are increasing their purchasing power without jeopardizing employment or the competitiveness of Québec businesses. We want these workers to know how grateful we are and how much we appreciate the work they do."

Jean Boulet, Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Solidarity

Highlights:

• Based on data available in December 2019, the proposed increase in the general minimum wage rate will benefit 409 100 Québec workers, including 235 700 female workers.
• The 60-cent increase in the general hourly wage rate addresses one of the objectives of the 2019-2023 Strategic Plan of the Ministère du Travail, de l'Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale, that is, to help ensure satisfactory working conditions and harmonious labour relations.
• Note that the government also introduced the Incentive Program to Retain Essential Workers, which grants $100 per week during the public health crisis to workers providing essential services.

SOURCE Cabinet du ministre du Travail, de l'Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale