As somebody who is admittedly not the most devoted follower of the news, I was utterly blindsided by the increase in minimum wage once September rolled around. I was employed as a cashier at McDonalds this spring, earning $10.45 an hour until resigning in the final week of August. My initial thoughts on the matter were selfish and rooted in frustration, due to the fact that the rise had not occurred sooner. Delving deeper into this topic and viewing it from a large-scale perspective, I’ve acquired awareness on the matter and am perplexed by the number of opponents to the change.
Although a multitude of minimum wage workers are supporters of this change, there are various groups of individuals that view it as a horrible detriment. The BC Chamber of Commerce, in particular, is uneasy about the possible effects small businesses. They argue that, at first glance, paying an employee 40 cents extra might seem miniscule, but expenses drastically rise in comparison to revenue when you multiply that by an army of employees. As a result, companies will hunt for methods of cutting costs to the detriment of low-income workers. Such activities could include cutting hours, requiring more from applicants and charging customers more.
The Case for Increasing the Minimum Wage. Digital image. Policy Alternatives. N.p., 14 Apr. 2015. Web. 25 Sept. 2016. The above visual eliminates the myth that increasing minimum wage only assists teens in making money and underlines the need for a change. (click image for full picture)
This excessive amount of backlash begs the question: was heightening the minimum wage a misstep by the government? British Columbia simultaneously held the title of most expensive province to live in and the lowest base pay in Canada. Evidently, the 40 cent rise to wages across B.C was long overdue. This change is designed to alleviate the stress of financial instability on those who work at the legal minimum to support themselves and their families.
Proponents, like the B.C. Federation of Labour, stress that this is not enough and are lobbying for an instantaneous minimum wage increase to $15.00. Despite the animosity towards a 40 cent increase, a large jump like this is plausible especially now that small business tax rate has been scaled down. Correspondingly, businesses can maintain current profits while affording to pay workers more. Places like California and Alberta have already made this move and have experienced a majorly positive outcome.
With proof of success, I would classify myself as an advocate of the minimum wage increase to $15.00. Investing in human capital assists both those affected by poverty and businesses by increasing worker productivity. A rapid upsurge in minimum wage is something I hope for in the near future because of how much I long for higher pay during summer jobs and how beneficial it would be to everyone in the economy.
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“BC Chamber Responds to Minimum Wage Increases.” BC Chamber of Commerce. N.p., 04 May 2016. Web. 25 Sept. 2016.
Boynton, Sean. “No One Happy about B.C.’s Minimum Wage Increase.” Global News No One Happy about BCs Minimum Wage Increase. N.p., 15 Sept. 2016. Web. 25 Sept. 2016.
“Small Increase in Minimum Wage Will Leave 500,000 BC Workers Earning Poverty Wages.” Bcfed.ca. N.p., 15 Sept. 2016. Web. 25 Sept. 2016.
Zussman, Richard. “B.C. Minimum Wage to Hit $11.25 by 2017 – British Columbia – CBC News.” CBCnews. CBC/Radio Canada, 05 Apr. 2016. Web. 25 Sept. 2016.