Group also wants to abolish $6 first-job rate
While British Columbia boasts one of the highest minimum wage rates in the country, the B.C. Federation of Labour would like to see it increased to $10 an hour.
The union group is calling for an immediate increase in the minimum wage from $8 an hour to $10 an hour and an abolishment the $6-an-hour first-job rate.
"When it comes to addressing the needs of our lowest paid workers, the Campbell government and their business allies have a deplorable record," said B.C. Federation of Labour president Jim Sinclair.
A recent survey conducted by the B.C Federation of Labour found that 79 per cent of British Columbians support the move to a $10 minimum wage.
While the province has one of the highest minimum wage rates in Canada (only the territories have higher rates), it is also one of the most expensive provinces in which to live, said Sinclair.
"When you take living costs into account, we actually have the second lowest minimum wage level," he said.
Statistics released by the provincial government show that low-paid jobs are on the increase, both in sheer numbers and as a percentage of the overall workforce.
The union group is calling for an immediate increase in the minimum wage from $8 an hour to $10 an hour and an abolishment the $6-an-hour first-job rate.
"When it comes to addressing the needs of our lowest paid workers, the Campbell government and their business allies have a deplorable record," said B.C. Federation of Labour president Jim Sinclair.
A recent survey conducted by the B.C Federation of Labour found that 79 per cent of British Columbians support the move to a $10 minimum wage.
While the province has one of the highest minimum wage rates in Canada (only the territories have higher rates), it is also one of the most expensive provinces in which to live, said Sinclair.
"When you take living costs into account, we actually have the second lowest minimum wage level," he said.
Statistics released by the provincial government show that low-paid jobs are on the increase, both in sheer numbers and as a percentage of the overall workforce.
