If you make less than $20 an hour, you are not alone, according to a new report from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA.
About 30 per cent of Atlantic Canadians are in the same boat.
Not only that, the vast majority are not students, but over 20-years-old and in permanent, full-time jobs.
In fact, CCPA says, some of the lowest wages in the country are made by those who work in our region.
Nova Scotia has the second lowest minimum wage at $15.20 an hour.
The other Atlantic provinces are not doing much better, with New Brunswick at $15.30, P.E.I at $15.40 and Newfound and Labrador at $15.60 an hour.
This gap is expected to grow once 2024 living wage expenses are calculated.
CCPA says Atlantic Canadians need a pay bump and call on provincial governments for wages to keep up with the cost of living.
Situation ‘unacceptable’
The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour says the province needs a new formula on how to calculate minimum wage, with a slow and steady increase.
Much more than what we have seen in the past.
President Danny Cavanagh tells us the numbers in the report are pretty staggering and that every day we see people struggling just to afford basic needs.
“Here in Nova Scotia, with 154,000+ workers, who earn less than $20/hour is…you know…a sad state of affairs.”
He says many are feeling frustration with the price of everything going up and corporations raking in huge profits.
Cavanagh says low wage workers need to contact their MLA to join the conversation.
“That means that people need to start and raise their voice if they want to see a change.”
