B.C.'s minimum wage will increase to $9.50 on Tuesday, Nov. 1, Minister of Labour, Citizens' Services and Open Government Margaret MacDiarmid confirmed today.

At the same time, the minimum wage rate for liquor servers will increase to $8.75.

This is the second increase to the minimum wage this year, and follows on Premier Christy Clark's commitment in March 2011 to increase minimum wage in three stages to $10.25 by May 1, 2012, providing more support for B.C. workers and families in every region of the province.

Non-hourly rates paid to camp leaders, live-in home support workers and resident caretakers will be adjusted at the same time in proportion to the increase in minimum wage.

Piece rates for hand-harvested crops listed in the employment standards regulation will remain unchanged pending the outcome of a review currently being undertaken by the Ministry of Labour, Citizens' Services and Open Government. The review is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

Learn More:

If you earn the general minimum wage, liquor servers' rate or get paid by piece rate, you can find out how these changes may affect you at: http://www.labour.gov.bc.ca/esb/announcements/min_wage.htm.

A backgrounder follows.

Contact:

David Greer
Ministry of Labour, Citizens, Services and Open Government
250 208-4350

BACKGROUNDER

Information about B.C.'s minimum wage

On March 16, 2011, Premier Christy Clark announced an incremental increase to the minimum wage in British Columbia.

General Minimum Wage

Prior to May 1, 2011 $8.00/hour

May 1, 2011 $8.75

Nov 1, 2011 $9.50

May 1, 2012 $10.25

• The First Job wage was repealed on May 1, 2011. All workers except those noted below must be paid at least the general minimum wage rate.

Alcohol server wage for liquor servers

Prior to May 1, 2011 $8.00/hour

May 1, 2011 $8.50

Nov 1, 2011 $8.75

May 1, 2012 $9.00

• The alcohol server wage will apply to employees who serve liquor directly to customers or guests in licensed premises as a regular part of their work.

Alternate minimum pay provisions

• Camp leaders, live-in home support workers and resident caretakers will receive corresponding increases on a percentage basis.
• Piece rates for hand harvesting certain crops are currently under review and will remain the same.

Wondering about your rights or responsibilities in the workplace? The Employment Standards Branch can provide assistance in person, online at: http://www.labour.gov.bc.ca/esb/ or through a toll-free number (1 800 663-3316). Information about employee rights is available in English, French, Chinese, Punjabi, Hindi, Filipino and Spanish.

Contact:

David Greer
Ministry of Labour, Citizens, Services and Open Government
250 208-4350