PRESS RELEASE: Ontario Minimum Wage Becomes $16.55 but it’s time for $20
TORONTO, ON – The Workers’ Action Centre celebrates the new $16.55 minimum wage in Ontario, effective October 1. This 6.8% adjustment is happening because workers fought long and hard to finally win legislation in 2014 that ensures the minimum wage keeps up with the cost of living each year.
By implementing the increase on October 1, Doug Ford is simply implementing an inflationary increase which is mandated under the Employment Standards Act… The increase to $16.55 will have a substantial impact on nearly 1.4 million workers, particularly women, but it still isn’t enough.
“Every adjustment to the minimum wage has been incredibly helpful to me and my family – but ultimately what I need is a wage I can actually survive on,” said Kanthavel, a minimum wage worker currently being supported by the Workers’ Action Centre. “Every visit to the grocery store is a reminder that the current minimum wage is simply not enough. We need at least a $20 minimum wage.” Kanthavel has been a security guard with the same employer for the past 12 years, always receiving the minimum wage.
Click on the backgrounder to read more. Workers affected by legislated minimum wage adjustments are available for comment.
