Council debating mandatory living wage for City projects
A motion up for debate by Regina’s city council would see a living wage become a contract requirement for crews working on City projects.
It would make it mandatory for successful bidders to pay their workers at least $16.95 per hour and would also be considered a contract condition.
The Saskatchewan Construction Association (SCA) is opposed to the idea.
“There probably are some construction labourers working in certain circumstances that are making above minimum wage but below the living wage, but I think those scenarios are very few and far between,” CEO of SCA Mark Cooper said. “The average construction wage is over $33 per hour and that is for everybody across the spectrum.”
The matter will come before city council this week (Aug. 17) and the proposal could go beyond construction workers, to include other contractors like building cleaners and security staff.
Labour unions think the motion is a good idea.
“We need to know that people in our city are working hard, they’re getting paid fair wages so that they can live and keep their families in our cities as well,” president of the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour Lori Johb said.
City administration is expected to recommend against a living wage requirement but was not available for an interview with CTV News.
The final decision will be in the hands of city council.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.