B.C.’s minimum wage going up

First of 3 planned hikes kicks in May 1

British Columbia’s government has announced a minimum wage increase, effective May 1, to $8.75 per hour.

The previous minimum wage was $8 per hour. A minimum wage of $8.50 an hour will apply to employees who serve liquor on May 1. A $6 wage per hour for first jobs will be eliminated.

The hike will be the first of three upcoming increases. Minimum wage in the province will increase on Nov. 1, to $9.50 an hour.

A third increase is set for May 1, 2012, when the wage will go up to $10.25.

The rate for liquor servers will go up to $8.75 on Nov. 1 and $9 on May 1, 2012.

Workers who are covered under alternate minimum wage provisions in the Employment Standards Regulations will receive corresponding increases on a percentage basis, according to the province.

The piece rates for hand harvesting certain crops will also be adjusted as a percentage of the wage increase on May 1.

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