Here are the answers to several common questions about the Fight for $15 campaign and BC's minimum wage. If you have other questions, please email [email protected].
- What is the minimum wage in BC?
- How is the minimum wage different from the living wage?
- Isn't the minimum wage the same for everyone in BC?
What is the minimum wage in BC?
The minimum wage in BC is $13.85/hr. As of June 1, 2020 it will be $14.60/hr and on June 1st, 2021 it will be $15.20/hr.
How is the minimum wage different from the living wage?
The minimum wage is a statutory requirement contained in the Employment Standards Act. It is the lowest wage that an employer can legally pay an employee in any community in BC. The Employment Standards Act currently sets out separate minimum wages for liquor servers and farm workers.
The living wage is an opt-in campaign targeted at convincing progressive employers to pay their employees a wage that will allow workers to purchase the basic necessities. The living wage is calculated for a family of four based on the actual costs in the community the business is based. The living wage calculation is updated for each community on an annual basis. For more information visit their website here.
Isn't the minimum wage the same for everyone in BC?
No. Liquor servers are still paid less than the minimum wage, but they will catch up on June 1st, 2021. Many farm workers are paid the hand harvesting piece rate which may be less than the minimum wage. The BCFED believes the exemptions to the minimum wage should be eliminated, so there is one fair minimum wage for everyone.