Frontline heroes are worth more than 13 cents
Released June 5, 2020
NEWS RELEASE
June 5, 2020
Frontline heroes are worth more than 13 cents
Today, the Government of Saskatchewan announced an embarrassing change to the province’s minimum wage – moving from $11.32 per hour to $11.45 per hour. The announced change does not take effective until October 1, 2020.
“It is embarrassing that the provincial government would announce a 13-cent raise for frontline heroes working in grocery stores, gas stations, and many other workplaces,” said SFL President Lori Johb, “at a time when we need to stimulate the economy and invest in local communities, any minimum wage less than $15 per hour is woefully inadequate,” she added.
Minimum wage facts:
- Saskatchewan has the worst minimum wage in the country, and will continue to do so after the recent announcement;
- 60% of minimum wage earners in Saskatchewan are over 19 years of age;
- Large corporations are the most significant employers of minimum wage earners and workers earning less than $15 per hour – not small businesses. Large corporations can easily afford to pay at least $15 per hour;
- Studies of jurisdictions that have raised the minimum wage to $15 per hour, or near it, have consistency shown an increase in jobs – including in the service and hospitality sectors – and an overall increase in local economic growth.
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For more information, contact:
Kent Peterson
Strategic Advisor
Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL)
1 (306) 570-1855
k.peterson@sfl.sk.ca
