April 1: Federal minimum wage rises to $17.30!
Did you know that workers earning less than $17.30 per hour in federally-regulated sectors will be getting a wage bump on April 1? These include workers in truck driving, banking, airlines, and telecommunications.
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Workers made this happen
Between 1986 and 1996, the federal minimum wage was FROZEN at $4.00/hour for a decade before being scrapped altogether.
But thanks to workers organizing, in 2021 we won a $15 federal minimum wage with annual cost of living adjustments (COLA). COLA helps minimum wage workers keep up with rising prices.
Minimum wage rates are also rising in provinces & territories
April 1 is also the date by which the Ontario government must announce the Ontario minimum wage rates that take effect on October 1 each year. The April 1 deadline is outlined in legislation workers won back in 2014. As a result, the Ontario minimum wage will be $17.20 on October 1, 2024.
And thanks to workers organizing across Canada, the minimum wage is also rising on April 1 in Newfoundland and Labrador; New Brunswick; Nova Scotia; Prince Edward Island; and the Yukon.
Check out the up-to-date minimum wage rates across Canada.
These wage bumps are not enough
But $17.30/hour federally and $17.20/hour provincially is not enough to live on.
We all deserve at least $20/hour with annual wage adjustments, adequate hours, paid sick days, equal pay for part-time and full-time workers, and so much more
So let's keep fighting together for better wages and working conditions for everyone!