In November there was campaign held by B.C.’s Federation of Labour to pressure the provincial government into raising B.C.’s current minimum wage of $10.25 an hour to $15.
The jump in wage would affect everyone. Some people are all for it.
“I think minimum wage should be increased, and not just because I’m a teenager, there are a lot of people trying to live off $10.25 an hour and take up multiple jobs just to live comfortably,” Kaija Howse said.
Lots of people agree, but find $15 is a big jump.
“Why not $12.50, meet halfway,” asked Paige Wagner. She also mentioned the cost of living, and so did Spencer Makus.
“Everything else such as food and basic necessities will get raised again, taxes will increase,” Makus said.
Others look at the possible raise a bit differently and think it might not be fair.
“There are people who went through university for a couple years to be able to make 15 dollars an hour, and now people who didn’t care to get an education, and have a minimum wage job are surprised they can’t support themselves,” Nicole Reusch said.
Those not for the increase, don’t see the minimum wage jobs as career positions, and find the pay acceptable based on the working standards.
“If you feel like you’re making less than you should be, ask for a raise. You shouldn’t expect one if you’re not willing to work for it. It should be earned, not handed to you,” Joey Sidhu said.
A supervisor at Moxies mentioned the servers get paid even less than minimum wage. This is because it’s standard for most people to leave a tip, but not all do: “Everyone should be paid equal. When you’re only making $9 an hour and someone doesn’t tip you it makes for a pretty sad night, let alone paycheck.
“That being said, $15 is a lot to ask for.”
The owners of small independent businesses find themselves in danger if the minimum wage was to be bumped up. They say that they wouldn’t be able to have as many employees, or if I did they wouldn’t get as many hours. I would be working more often to try and keep my business running.
The cost of living is steep; especially in B.C. Bringing the minimum wage up to $15 an hour would make it the highest in the country.
However, no matter the possible increase, there will be both positives and negatives.