No worries about wage

The Fair Wages Commission heard from a handful of minimum wage workers and advocates Tuesday. They are calling on the commission to boost minimum wage as needed to $15 an hour by 2019.

Currently, the minimum wage in B.C. is $11.35 an hour.

Castanet stopped by a few local small businesses to hear their thoughts on the potential increase.

"I think it's ok if it is incremental and it's over an extended period of time, said Pulp Fiction Owner, Max Sloan.

"If they do it too soon, it is going to affect prices, and that would be passed onto the consumer," Sloan added.

O-Lake Cafe Manager, Kaylee Raja was mixed over the wage increase.

"I think it could be good, but also depending on the business it could be a bit much to be paying employees," Raja said.

"This business is pretty slow in the winter so I think $15 would be a bit much to be paying everyone, but it would definitely increase productivity," she added.

Part Manager of Olive and Elle, Les Povarchook was fully onboard with the hike.

"I do believe the increase is reasonable. In consideration of the expenses that any worker in the retail business incurs in the Okanagan, I feel it is justified."

"You always hear about the sunshine tax which I find a bit ridiculous. The workers deserve it," Povarchook added.

If you have a thought on this topic, send us a letter to [email protected].