Fair Wages Commission to help bridge minimum, living wage gap

The BC government has formed its Fair Wages Commission (FWC), a BC Green Party policy.

The group’s aim is to establish recommendations to the NDP in getting a $15 an hour wage, and reduce BC’s poverty rate, before the next election in 2021.

.@HarryBainsSN: Task of FWC will be to look at all wages rate, come back with recommendation; hoping to get BC out of poverty | #bcpoli

— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) October 5, 2017

Labour Minister Harry Bains says they will also look to shorten the gap between the minimum wage and the living wage.

“Minimum wage, for most workers, is going to work and getting a certain amount per hour like minimum wage in certain areas, but then there are other areas like agriculture; they have piecework rates, and then there are liquor servers who are receiving lower wages today than other jobs.”

.@HarryBainsSN: Important to consult w/ ppl, workers, economists b4 coming to decision; gov't wishes to close min/living wage gaps | #bcpoli

— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) October 5, 2017

He believes the process will be smooth and swift as the FWC is set to talk with workers, employers, local community leaders, and expert economists.

“Part of the government’s role is to lower the financial burden of British Columbians, and at the same time, raising their minimum wage. So we will close that gap between the living wage and their minimum wage; I think that’s the role of the commission is expected to play.”

Bains is expecting an initial report within 90 days of the FWC’s first meeting, with Simon Fraser University professor Marjorie Griffin Cohen introduced as Chair Thursday in Victoria.

The cost of the Commission is $490,000 over the next two years to help with travel expenses.

People should be paid a fair wage. That's why I'm happy to announce the Fair Wages Commission is getting to work right away. #bcpoli pic.twitter.com/HBPw7BuAdJ

— John Horgan (@jjhorgan) October 5, 2017