Belleville Chamber of Commerce CEO Jill Raycroft (File photo: Nicole Kleinsteuber / Quinte News)
Three Quinte area Chambers of Commerce are joining the fight against the government’s proposed “$15 minimum wage” law, citing an economic impact report.
The Belleville – Prince Edward County – Quinte West chambers indicate the report shows manufacturing, accommodation and food services the most at risk for job losses – key industries in the Bay of Quinte region.
It says firms with fewer than 20 employees are also at greatest risk. More than half of the members in the local Chambers are smaller firms, and officials say they are hearing how difficult it is going to be for them to adjust to the proposed rate of change.
Belleville chamber CEO Jill Raycroft says 70% of companies surveyed are already paying more than the minimum wage.
Raycroft says employers are concerned what the minimum wage rule would mean for long-time employees.
The Chambers say they anticipate that reaction to this challenge will be fewer new jobs and trying to get more from fewer employees or employers may simply cut hours so their annual labour costs will not rise.
The Chambers of Commerce are holding an information session on the issue on Friday at Trent Port Marina.
