Responsible Employers
By Jack deWit
by Jack deWit
I was recently reminded of the minimum wage scale that was introduced by the B.C. government in 2005. Under the Employment Standards Act the minimum wage was set at $8.00 per hour. The exception to this rate was for an employee who had no job experience. The labour experts in government decided that these workers should only be eligible to earn $6.00 per hour for their first 500 hours of employment. The strategy was to allow youths to gain job experience and for employers to accept inexperienced workers at a rate that would not harm their bottom line.
One must also remember that a mom (perhaps single) who has no work experience but has raised three kids and wishes to enter the workforce would also fall into this same category. Age is not stated as a factor in the Act.
I sat at my desk and called a number of employers, employment resource workers, and anyone I felt could share some light on the success, or failure, of this program. Most of those that were contacted by myself were very reluctant to talk about the issue. This left me with the impression that they were most likely embarrassed since they would be linked to such a discriminatory hiring practice. Perhaps I raised an issue that was not to be discussed publicly, particularly in the service sector.
To no surprise, a manager at Wendy’s Restaurant, seemed quite proud of the fact that they incorporate the “First Job/Entry Level” minimum wage scale. We should expect that MLA Pat Bell, owner of Wendy’s in Prince George, would support an act legislated by his colleagues. On the other hand Mr G’s convenience stores readily admitted that they do not pay the $6.00/hr. rate, but also confessed that they seldom hire candidates with no experience due to the responsibilities that went along with the job.
The 500 hour learning period imposed on new workers leaves me with the notion that, either our youth are terribly dumb, or this legislation was enacted to enable businesses in B.C. to improve their bottom line by exploiting young employees. After all, does it take 500 hours to learn how to flip a burger and place some sauce on a bun? If teaching customer service is the employer’s goal I would suggest that a worker earning $6.00/hr. is not likely to be overly enthusiastic in making an outstanding effort at being polite to customers. Like anything else in life, you get what you pay for!
The regular minimum wage rate of $8.00/hr. is hardly sufficient for those trying to support themselves. I understand that our youth are caught in a catch 22 situation when seeking employment if they lack experience. However, with the number of employment ads in the newspaper in recent times, a knowledgeable, reasonably well-adjusted person should not accept a job under the above conditions. If an employer can not afford $8.00/hr. they certainly can’t afford the time to teach working skills to new employees either.
I think our youth are being exploited, and their voices should be heard.
Previous Story - Next Story
Email
Print
Facebook
Twitter
Digg
Del.icio.usReturn to Home
Posted by: owl on May 8 2006 2:39 AM
When we place an ad for a position I am always amazed that someone would apply with medal parts and pieces hanging out of their mouth, or their dress code is a ripped up pair of jeans and paint on their shirts or a ‘you owe me attitude’.
I think I speak for most business owners that you have to go through a lot of resumes and interviews to find someone with the ‘great attitude, a work ethic, willing to learn and ambitious’.
And most business owners are more than happy to pay a higher and better wage to reflect the above positive attributes.
I am also amazed at people who do not own a business that seem to be experts in business models and what it takes to run a profitable business. Come off the side lines and start a business of your own, so you too can contribute to the work force.