Manitoba Federation of Labour president, Kevin Rebeck, speaks with media on Monday, Nov. 21, 2016 at the Manitoba Legislative Building. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski)
WINNIPEG — The Manitoba Federation of Labour is calling on the provincial government to raise the minimum wage beyond 20 cents this year.
Kevin Rebeck, president of the MFL, says the increase fails to meet the needs of low-wage workers facing rising costs for essentials like food, housing, and transportation. Statistics Canada data shows food prices rose 3.3 percent and housing costs increased by 4.9 percent in 2024, far outpacing the inflation-tied wage hike.
“No one should work full time and still live in poverty, but that is the harsh reality for many minimum wage earners in Manitoba,” said Rebeck. “Working families are facing a jump in gas prices and bus fares to start this year, and there is a 5.7 percent increase to MPI rates on the way.”
Rebeck says the slight bump to minimum wage earners is part of current legislation still on the books from the previous Progressive Conservative government led by former Premier Brian Pallister.
“In its first year, the Pallister government froze Manitoba’s minimum wage and then it passed legislation to limit minimum wage increases by the previous year’s inflation rate,” the MFL said in a statement.
Rebeck says the federation is calling on the current NDP government to repeal the current minimum wage law in the upcoming legislative session.
In a statement to ChrisD.ca, Minister of Labour and Immigration Malaya Marcelino said: “Our government supports Manitoba’s workers, and we know that every increase to the minimum wage will help workers. We’re committed to predictable minimum wage increases to support workers, while addressing the concerns of businesses.”
Under current legislation, Manitoba’s minimum wage will rise from $15.80 to $16 per hour on October 1, 2025.
