Government of Yukon
Archives
FOR RELEASE #05-317
December 2, 2005
Yukon Employment Standards Board To Review Minimum Wage
WHITEHORSE - The Yukon Employment Standards Board has informed the minister responsible for Consumer and Safety Services, Glenn Hart, that they will be consulting on Yukon's minimum wage rate. The Yukon Employment Standards Board is also considering annual increases to the minimum wage to account for the cost of living.
"I asked the board to review the minimum wage back in March," Hart said. "Now that their work on the Fair Wage Schedule is complete, they are in a position to undertake consultations on increasing the minimum wage."
The authority for setting the minimum wage rate in the Yukon rests with the Yukon Employment Standards Board. Their consultation will capture the views of employees, employers and the general public on the proposed changes to the minimum wage rate.
"We believe very strongly that we need to hear from Yukoners on this issue," the chair of the Yukon Employment Standards Board Joie Quarton noted. "The minimum wage rate affects many people, directly and indirectly, and through this consultation process we hope to hear their views."
Nearly half of all minimum wage workers are between 15 and 19, with more than 75 per cent attending school full or part-time. The prevalence of teenagers and young adults in the minimum wage category reflects the characteristics and demands of minimum wage work.
As of today, national minimum wage levels range from a high of $8.50 per hour in Nunavut to a low of $6.25 per hour in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Yukon Employment Standards Board consultation will be underway between Dec. 1, 2005 and Jan. 20, 2006.
-30-
| Contact: | |
| Peter Carr | Doug Caldwell |
| Cabinet Communications Advisor | Communications & Policy Analyst |
| (867) 667-8688 | (867) 667-8065 |
| peter.carr@gov.yk.ca | doug.caldwell@gov.yk.ca |