The BC Government recently announced an increase in the minimum wage from $8.00 to $10.25 by May 1, 2012, with the training wage being eliminated effective May 1, 2011. The wage increase will take place in three stages commencing on May 1, 2011:
- May 1, 2011: $8.75
- November 1, 2011: $9.50
- May 1, 2012: $10.25
A special minimum wage for liquor servers will also be phased in, beginning May 1, 2011, to reach $9.00 by May 2012:
- May 1, 2011: $8.50
- November 1, 2011: $8.75
- May 1, 2012: $9.00
The liquor server wage will apply to employees who serve liquor directly to customers or guests in licensed premises as a regular part of their work. For detailed frequently asked questions please view the Minimum Wage Rate for Liquor Servers Fact Sheet by the Employment Standards Branch. Further details and definitions are still being determined and as soon as more information is released, we will provide an update. For further information on how this applies to your operation, please contact the Employment Standards Branch at 1-800-663-3316.
Please also refer to our Minimum Wage article and the full BC Government press release on minimum wage.
