Minimum wage is the lowest wage rate an employer can pay an employee. Most employees are eligible for minimum wage, whether they are full-time, part-time, casual employees, or are paid an hourly rate, commission, piece rate, flat rate or salary.
| |
Ontario's
Minimum Wage Rate |
|
March 31,
2009 |
March 31,
2010 |
Current Minimum
Wage Rate
(as of March 31, 2010) |
| |
General Minimum Wage
*this rate applies to most employees |
|
$ 9.50 |
$10.25 |
$ 10.25 |
| |
Student Minimum Wage
*This rate applies to students under the age of 18 who work 28 hours a week or less when school is in session or work during a school break or summer holidays. |
|
$ 8.90 |
$ 9.60 |
$ 9.60 |
| |
Liquor Servers Minimum Wage
*This hourly rate applies to employees who serve liquor directly to customers or guests in licensed premises as a regular part of their work. "Licensed premises" are businesses for which a license or permit has been issued under the Liquor Licence Act. |
|
$ 8.25 |
$ 8.90 |
$8.90 |
ORHMA has continued to seek a responsive method from government regarding setting Minimum Wage rates. Since 2004 all minimum wage rates have increased annually, and since 2007 the date of increase has been March 31. The minimum wage increases have placed a significant burden on the hospitality industry. The ORHMA is once again calling for a freeze in the differentiated wage rates for liquor servers and students, as well as a freeze in the General Minimum Wage, given the state of the economy and the government’s statements about wanting to contain costs for employers. The government is appointing an advisory committee to be involved in future minimum wage increases and the ORHMA has put in its nomination. There has been no response from government to date on the formation of the committee. The ORHMA continues to point out the employers’ need for certainty, and to urge the government for an immediate decision.
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