“We realize that the minimum wage directly impacts workers in certain industries, particularly our young workers and those who rely on seasonal employment,” said Hon. Carolyn Bertram, Minister of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour. “We also recognize that employers need time to incorporate increases into their operational plans. Again this year, Government has chosen to implement the wage increase in two stages. This will provide the Island business community more time to integrate the salary adjustments into their payroll budgets.”

The Employment Standards Board - which is made up of representatives of employers and employees, with a neutral chairperson - meets to review the Minimum Wage Order and make recommendations to government. The Board considers the social and economic effects of the minimum wage rates in the province, cost of living increases, current economic conditions, and the minimum wages in neighbouring provinces.

About 58,000 Island employees are covered by the Employment Standards Act (not working under a collective agreement), of which approximately 2,000 earn minimum wage.

BACKGROUNDER

Minimum Wage Rates in Atlantic Provinces

N.B.

31 March 2008 -- $ 7.75

15 April 2009 -- $ 8.00

1 September 2009 -- $ 8.25

NFLD

1 January 2009 -- $ 8.50

1 July 2009 -- $ 9.00

N.S

1 May 2008 -- $ 8.10/experienced and $ 7.60/inexperienced

1 April 2009 -- $ 8.60/experienced and $ 8.10/inexperienced