The issue of minimum wage is a complex one and has been the subject of many studies. The studies show that along with students, other minimum wage earners are new immigrants, adults with lower levels of education and a higher number of females. Right now, Alberta has the lowest minimum wage in the country.
One of the complexities involves minimum wage and students. Often, a distinction is not made between students who are in high school or in post-secondary institutions or are part-time students. High-school students who live at home may not be required to pay for extras such as rent and food, but the same cannot be said for a lot of students who attend post-secondary institutions. Along with high tuition fees, books, transportation and for some accommodation away from home, the current minimum wage can make getting an education a challenge.
Adam Carmichael, from Famoso Pizza, and the others interviewed regarding the rise in the minimum wage, are only focusing on one aspect of the issue. To me, the main issue is what type of society are we trying to create and what we need to do and pay to achieve that type of society.
I would note that Carmichael is incorrect when he states that after the three-year plan for wage increase goes into effect, wage line cooks at various restaurants will make the same as a starting teacher. Right now, a teacher in Alberta makes a starting salary of between $48,000 and $50,000. If Carmichael does the math, at $15 an hour and working eight hour days and 22 days a month, the person would earn approximately $32,000 a year. For someone working full time, a salary of $32,000 allows that person to be somewhat independent and to have some quality of life, albeit very basic. Is it unreasonable for society to ensure this is the case? I don’t think so!
We in society have to recognize and expect that those who have to pay the higher minimum wage will also have to charge us, their customers, more for their goods and services. Therefore, as a patron of Famoso Pizza, I both expect to and am happy to pay for an increase in the price of pizza. I’ll also leave the server a tip!
Valerie Spink, St. Albert
62 Lucerne Crescent
St. Albert, AB T8N 2R2
780-458-3362
