Sisters and brothers,

Over the past few weeks we have heard much debate over the proposed implementation of a $15 dollar an hour minimum wage in Ontario. The truth is that $15 dollars an hour will not only help workers and their families it will also help the economy.

Let’s examine the facts. Almost 30 per cent of Ontario workers earned less than $15 an hour in 2016. It’s important to note that we aren’t just talking about students as half of the workers who earn less than $15 per hour are between the ages of 25 and 64.

Many of our neighbours, friends, family and fellow members are struggling to make ends meet on the current minimum wage of $11.40 an hour. Even with an increase to $15 dollars an hour full-time workers will average $600 a week before tax – hardly an outrageous sum to raise a family on.

The economic case proves that putting money in the hands of workers will help to raise the bar for everyone. Many economists have come out in support of $15 dollars an hour as research has shown that when lower income households achieve a rise in income they spend the additional money earned, predominantly within the local economy.  When the minimum wage is increased the economy benefits and the subsequent consumer demand creates jobs.

The $15 minimum wage is also a racial and women’s rights issue as these workers are disproportionally represented among minimum wage earners. Providing a living wage is a necessary step towards achieving our goal of equality for all.

In opposition to a $15 minimum multi-million dollar corporations are crying poor and raising the specter of job cuts and atomization to frighten workers and politicians alike. At least half of the minimum wage earners in Ontario work for companies with over 500 employees. In fact, many of the largest and wealthiest companies in the country do not pay their workers a living wage.

A $15 minimum will require some adjusting – just as every other minimum wage hike in history has required. During this time we cannot allow companies to pit worker against worker.  Keeping the lowest paid down does not help others to rise but instead furthers the gig-economy, increasing precarious work and creating a permanent underclass of working poor all in the name of corporate greed.

Political pressure to water down the proposed legislated pay increase is being applied and we must do the same to ensure its passage.  Let your MPP know that you believe in a living wage here and share messages of support on social media.

For more information visit unifor.org/changingworkplaces.

In Solidarity,

Jerry Dias

National President