Minimum wage in Ontario increased from $8.75 to $9.50 at the end of March. How could anyone argue that this is not good news. Well I will, because it's not that simple. The McGuinty government of Ontario introduced this wage increase in the middle of a recession! Lets look at this a little deeper.
This past week the federal government forced the CAW back to the bargaining table with GM. Why? The cuts they made earlier this year did not go far enough. Tony Clement, Canada's industry minister, wants the CAW to sign a similar deal with GM to the one they've Just signed with Chrysler. If they don't there will be no more federal money for GM - without it GM Canada would likely be liquidated.
So, let me get this straight. These huge conglomerates can not survive without massive wage concessions by their unions, and not without bailout money from the government. Yet small business in Ontario are to give a government mandated raise to their employees and they are to do this without any bailouts. Excuse me? This makes absolutely no sense. Don't get me wrong I'm all for raising the minimum wage - under the right economic circumstances. Now is not that time. Wake up Ontario if you want small business to survive!
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