CRFA's Manitoba Lobbyist
 |
Dwayne Marling |
Manitoba to curtail minimum wage hikes?
CRFA’s Dwayne Marling discussed the province’s labour issues with Minister of Labour Jennifer Howard in on July 25, 2012.
(Aug. 14/12) Manitoba may embrace a more positive approach to minimum wage increases.
What we requested
In a late July meeting with Manitoba’s Minister of Labour Jennifer Howard, CRFA discussed:
- the unsustainable rate of increase in the province’s minimum wage;
- the benefit of tip and training wage differentials; and
- the need for meaningful consultations with affected industries before changes are made.
What Minister Howard said
Minister Howard was open to establishing a new methodology for consultation on minimum wage changes. Although she reinforced her intention to raise the province’s minimum wage annually, she acknowledged the wage rate may well have caught up to the appropriate level. Minister Howard noted that government would no longer look to make future increases significantly higher than the rate of inflation.
Labour shortage on the table
CRFA also discussed Manitoba’s existing labour shortage in the foodservice industry, and the expected growth in these shortages over the next few years.