The BC NDP government is carrying on with their four-year plan to increase minimum wage in the province despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of June 1, 2020, the general minimum wage in B.C. has risen by $0.75 to $14.60 per hour.
Today’s jump marks the third iteration in the provincial government’s plan, and has moved forward despite concerns that some businesses may not be able to meet the new wage rate due to losses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The minimum wage will go on as planned. The lowest-paid workers in B.C. need help as well,” said Harry Bains, Minister of Labour, at a recent press conference.
“They need money in their pockets so that they will go and invest in the local businesses who are suffering right now, and they’ll help local businesses in their own communities.”
The general minimum wage increase is accompanied by raises for liquor servers, resident caretakers, and live-in camp leaders.
They are as follows:
- Liquor server: increases by 9.8 per cent to $13.95 per hour
- Resident caretaker: increases by 5.4 per cent to $876.35 for those who manage nine to 60 units or $2,985.04 for 61 or more units
- Live-in camp leader: increases by 5.4 per cent to $116.86 per day.
These annual minimum wage increases began in 2018 with the goal of reaching $15.20 per hour in June 2021.
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