A demonstrator attends a downtown Windsor rally supporting $15/hr minimum wage in Canada. Photo taken April 15, 2016.A demonstrator attends a downtown Windsor rally supporting $15/hr minimum wage in Canada. Photo taken April 15, 2016.
Chatham

CK Chamber Has Concerns Over Potential Labour Changes

The Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce is putting the provincial government on notice.

It's sending a letter to the premier strongly objecting to potential labour and employment reforms, including the introduction of a $15 minimum wage.

Chamber President and CEO Gail Hundt says the possible changes would discourage investment, eliminate jobs and hurt the economy.

"We don't feel they've done enough research and looked at consultations and review of how this will affect the businesses overall and the economy of not just Chatham-Kent, but Ontario as a whole," says Hundt.

The letter warns that the reforms may hurt job creation and competitiveness in Ontario.

Hundt says the cost of doing business is already too high.

"As much as we can help the employee and we want that to happen, there's also a cost to the business and any time there's a cost to the business it has to come from somewhere.  That cost may be less employees, less hours,"  Hundt says.

Hundt says the potential labour changes will harm business and consumers.

"It may be an end cost to the consumer.  So in fairness, if employees are making more, and that's wonderful, but they're also going to end up paying more for a service or a product," says Hundt.

 

Read More Local Stories