The Bancroft & District Chamber of Commerce is concerned a proposed increase to minimum wage will be too much, too fast for local businesses.
The province has recently announced a plan to raise minimum wage to $14 an hour next year, and to $15 by 2019.
The Bancroft & District Chamber of Commerce says it’s concerned the pace the government is moving at could place some at risk.
The chamber has also released results of a survey it had put forward to local businesses. Some businesses are concerned it will cost them anywhere from just over $1,000 to around $143,000 to implement the increase. In turn, this could lead to shorter work weeks for employees and an increased cost for goods and services.
But, not all businesses in the area are sounding the alarm; one states its employees are already paid $15 an hour, so this really comes down to better planning.
(Written by: Andreas Pandikiu)