BC Fed welcomes minimum wage increase, disappointed by new tip wage

from BC Federation of Labour: www.bcfed.ca

March 16, 2011

Vancouver-The BC Federation of Labour welcomes today's announcement of a minimum wage increase by Premier Christy Clark, but is disappointed Clark is considering an abusive tip wage.

"$8.75 is a poor start," stated Jim Sinclair president of the BC Federation of Labour. "BC will still have the lowest minimum wage in Canada, but we're hopeful that the Premier will keep her promise to reach $10.25 by next May."

"A minimum wage increase is long overdue, and it's unfortunate BC's lowest paid workers had to wait 10 years for any increase."

Sinclair thanked the tens of thousands of low wage workers, students, union members, church groups and municipal politicians who have stayed active in the Federation's $10 Now campaign. "With their help we've seen unprecedented levels of support for a minimum wage increase; together we have finally forced the BC Liberals to act."

However, the Federation expressed disappointment that the BC Liberals were introducing a tip wage for liquor servers. Workers who earn tips are routinely asked to pay for items like theft and breakage, including "dine and dash," along with forced sharing of tips sometimes including with management.

"With no oversight from the Ministry of Labour, and additional cuts in this year's budget this puts servers at risk of abuse. If the BC Liberals want to introduce a tip wage they should first enforce Employment Standards, poor as they are."

For more information: Jessie Uppal, Office: 604-430-1421 or Cell: 604-220-0739.