Released on February 28, 2006
Saskatchewan's minimum wage will increase by 50-cents an hour tomorrow.The March 1st, 2006 increase will move the provincial minimum wage from $7.05 an hour to $7.55 an hour.
The increase is the second stage of a three-stage increase announced last June. The first increase took effect September 1st, 2005 and moved the minimum wage up by 40-cents to $7.05. On March 1st, 2007 the minimum wage will go up by another 40 cents an hour to $7.95 an hour.
There are currently about 7,000 minimum wage earners in Saskatchewan, or less than two per cent of the paid workforce.
"Increasing the minimum wage helps those who need help the most and allows them to participate in Saskatchewan's prosperous economy," Labour Minister David Forbes said. "By proceeding with the increase in stages, we are giving employers ample lead-time for planning their enterprises. At the same time we are recognizing that minimum wage earners also deserve a share in our growing economy that they have, in fact, helped to build."
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For More Information, Contact:
| Nadine Sisk Labour Regina Phone: (306) 787-4156 |