Casual Workers Losing Out in BC Economic Boom

August 12, 2008

A new report from the CCPA seeks an explanation for why good economic times in BC have not translated into higher earnings for workers in lower-end jobs. The study finds that a number of policy changes has increased the number of casual jobs, characterized by poor job quality, low pay, and little job security. Such policy changes include privatization and contracting out, which has reduced the stock of public sector jobs and changes to the Employment Standards Act, which has weakened minimums requirements for employers. The report recommends raising the minimum wage to $10/hour, expanding the Employment Standards Act, removing barriers to unionization, and enhancing child care subsidies. Click here to visit the CCPA website for the report or read a Vancouver Sun article about it.