Workers’ Action Network says workers need higher minimum wage

The Workers’ Action Network of Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased with the increase in the minimum wage but argues that the increase still leaves workers struggling to make ends meet.

On April 1 the minimum wage increased to $14.50 an hour, but the Workers’ Action Network is fighting for a $15.00 minimum wage.

Virtual Organizer Sara Moriarity said, "the fight for a $15 minimum wage in the province really kicked off in 2018 with the $15 and Fairness Campaign, and workers fought hard to see these increases. But we’re living in a very different economy in 2023. Even $15 an hour will come nowhere close to affording workers the ability to make ends meet."

The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives said in 2019 that a person working a full-time, full-year job in St. John’s would have needed to be paid at least $18.85 an hour in order to earn a living wage.

The Workers’ Action Network estimates that a living wage for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians today is at least $20 an hour.