(Photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / devon.)(Photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / devon.)
Midwestern

Act To Raise Minimum Wage Passes Second Reading

Ontario's Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act has passed second reading after debate in the Legislature.

Bill 148 includes raising the general minimum wage to $14/hr in January, and to $15/hr in 2019, followed by annual increases at the rate of inflation.

It also mandates equal pay for part-time, seasonal, temporary, or casual employees doing the same job as full-time employees.

Personal emergency leave will be expanded to ten days, with a minimum of at least two paid days per year.

It also ensures at least three weeks vacation after five years with a company.

The province plans to hire up to 175 more employment standards officers.

The Changing Workplaces Review found about a third of Ontario workers were in precarious jobs in 2014.

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