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Mar 13, 2023

Coalition of Associations Send Letter to Premier on Minimum Wage Increases

Letter from Tourism Industry Association of BC

Advocacy

RE: BC Minimum Wage Recommendation Letter to Premier

On March 1, 2023, the Coalition of Associations that includes TIABC sent a letter to Premier Eby, expressing concerns regarding the pending increase in a minimum wage increase this year.

The letter explains that the undersigned associations are hearing persistent concerns from a wide variety of firms, especially consumer-facing businesses, that they cannot absorb another significant increase on top of all the other government mandated costs and other inflationary input cost increases in 2023. The increase is likely in the range of 6-7%.

The letter also states that “another significant minimum wage increase will force businesses to raise the wages of all employees to maintain relative wages and to deal with wage compression where new inexperienced employees are paid the same as more experienced employees. This ‘ratcheting effect’ leaves employees no further ahead on a relative basis and, in fact, may result in fewer opportunities for workers, may trigger business closures, or lead to more mechanized work where this is a viable option.”

The coalition strongly recommends that the province cap this year’s minimum wage increase at 3% recognizing the labour cost increases that businesses are already struggling to absorb and that the BC government should also consider implementing minimum wage adjustment support programs that offer small business rebates to help minimize additional cost pressures of minimum wage increases similar to what both Newfoundland and Manitoba have implemented.

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🎉 We are thrilled to announce that registration is now open for the 2024 BC Tourism Industry Conference. The conference will take place at the Victoria Conference Centre on March 6 & 7, 2024 

2024 REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Visit our website to view the 2024 registration fees. Early bird rates are available with member and non-member pricing options. Full conference registrations include complete access to all conference sessions, workshops, silent auction, welcome reception, and the awards gala. Register at our early bird rate before January 17, 2024 to save $100 on your registration!

Learn more and register through link in bio! 👆
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🌺 Lest We Forget.