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May 21, 1996
(Environment and Labour)


Province's Minimum Wage to Increase

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Environment and Labour, announced today that the minimum wage will increase in two stages, starting September 1, 1996. At that time, the minimum wage will rise from $4.75 an hour to $5.00 an hour. Subsequently, on April 1, 1997, it will again increase to $5.25 an hour.

The increase is the first the province has seen since 1991. At the present time, Newfoundland and Labrador is tied with Prince Edward Island for the lowest minimum wage in the country. Both PEI and Nova Scotia, however, have recently decided to increase their minimum wage, starting this fall. The minister said that this initiative brings us closer to achieving a harmonization of the minimum wage in the four Atlantic provinces. "This decision represents an important first step in bringing this province's minimum wage in line with the other Atlantic provinces. It will also have a positive impact on the income and spending power of people who work in the retail trade, home and child care, and accommodation, food and beverage industries," the minister said.

Government also endorsed other recommendations from the Labour Standards Board, on issues such as bereavement leave, scheduling of work, and vacation pay.

Contact: Teddy Ryan, Director of Public Relations, (709) 729-2575.

1996 05 21 2:35 p.m.

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