Alberta merchants maintain $15 minimum wage

One of the first things the new UCP government in Alberta has done is lower the minimum wage for young workers from $15 to $13. Some Alberta merchants are having none of it. A growing group of companies has committed to paying their employees at least $15 an hour regardless of age.

Over 150 provincial businesses have joined a coalition titled Alberta 15 to show their support for their younger workers. The coalition ranges from a fast food chain to coffee shops to plumbing services to art studios. Sylvia Johnston, owner of Cornerstone Music Cafe, says she doesn't believe it's fair to pay her employees differently based on their age. "I've always paid my staff more than regular wage because I think they need it and deserve it." Alberta15 founder Brian MacKay echoes those remarks, saying, "I don't think giving any [other] Albertan a 13 per cent pay cut would fly very well." MacKay recognizes that even $15 may not meet an area's living wage.

Alberta15's intention is to provide workers and consumers with a list of businesses who treat their workers fairly, regardless of their age. Their website states:

Our government's announcement on May 27 impacts people that can afford it least. While Mr. Kenney claims it "allows" employees a chance to negotiate staying past the regular overtime hours to earn more tips, we know that employers will abuse this to keep minimum wage employees working without fair recompense. Young employees deserve to make the same wage as those over 18 and should not be asked to negotiate for a living because they are students. Employers that hire people should hire based on the job being viable, period.

If you would like to see which businesses are participating, Alberta15's website can be found at https://alberta15.ca/. Or if you would like to find out what the living wage is in your area, you can find that at http://www.livingwagecanada.ca/.