BC Chamber News Release on Minimum Wage: 2/9/2018

 News Release from the BC Chamber of Commerce
 
 
 
BC Chamber of Commerce on the BC Government’s plan to increase minimum wage.
 
Vancouver, February 8, 2018 – The BC Chamber of Commerce calls on the provincial government to maintain certainty and predictability as minimum wage set to rise to by 2021.
 
“Predictability and certainty are what’s on our members’ minds,” said Val Litwin, President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce. “While front-loading the minimum wage increase will cause challenges for some businesses, the four-year timeline – with projected increases – will help businesses plan and incorporate those costs into their budgets.
 
The BC Chamber appreciates the work done by the Fair Wages Commission, as well as the opportunity to share insights from our members on the potential economic impact of a large-scale wage increase.
 
The BC Chamber’s province-wide membership has previously called for minimum wage increases to be linked to the Consumer Price Index, so as to bring stability and predictability to these increases and thus to protect BC businesses from the fallout of sudden, unexpected hikes.
 
“We support wage increases so employees can keep up with the cost of living. We also support increases being announced in advance to ensure businesses are able to adjust,” said Litwin. “Tying wage increases to CPI going forward provides businesses with the ability to plan and budget, and ensures they will not face large increases in labour costs”
 


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About the BC Chamber

The BC Chamber is the province’s largest and most broadly-based business organization driving insights to its partners, government and Chamber network. With 36,000 members hailing from every nook and cranny of the province, the BC Chamber knows what’s on BC’s mind.
 
Media Contact
Stephanie Rea
Interim Director of Communications
BC Chamber of Commerce
(Direct) 604-638-8114
srea@bcchamber.org