Minimum wage increases today
Posted Mar 31, 2010 03:37:06 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Some say it’s about time. Others say it’s bad timing.
Minimum wage jumps to $10.25 today, and it’s causing a lot of debate. Advocates say the increase will give low income earners more financial freedom, and give others more incentive to join the work force.
Cheryl Ives manages Community Engagement at Opportunities Waterloo Region. She tells 570’s Jeff Allan Show the increase should have come sooner. She argues that studies show no connection between minimum wage increases and rates of unemployment.
Others have a different perspective. They believe the boost in wages will hurt small businesses, and give employers incentive to scrap part-time employers for full time workers.
Tony Elenis is the President of the Ontario Restaurant Hotel and Motel Association. He told 570’s Jeff Allan that students with part-time jobs will suffer, and such increases do not support small businesses.
This is the seventh increase in minimum wage since 2004.
