Minimum wage increase leading to layoffs
The recent June 1, 2018 increase in the minimum wage is doing exactly what it is supposed to do. That is sending laid off employees to the unemployment office.
The present B.C. minimum wage is $12.65 per hour. Employee benefits average 35 per cent, making the combined wage and benefits at $17.08 per hour. This consists of the employer matching the CPP deductions, paying 1.4 per cent of the employee unemployment insurance deductions, four per cent vacation pay, and an amount for workers compensation which has different percentage rates for each employment category.
The minimum wage increase shows its effect when locally, after 6 p.m., you have to line up at Walmart and the Real Canadian Superstore because of limited cashiers.
Your present NDP minority government in Victoria does not see this because NDPers are not business people. The view that the business community takes is to lay off employees instead of raising prices on their merchandise. Just simple everyday common sense economics. Unbelievable!
Joe Sawchuk
Duncan
