P.A. businesses more concerned with filling positions than increase to minimum wage: chamber

“They have been offering higher wages, especially in the lower skill index where typically it would be a minimum wage job.”

A quick trip to SaskJobs, where businesses and organizations post information about available positions, would corroborate Hughes’ comment.

Positions that normally pay minimum wage are currently being offered at $12 per hour or more.

Davinder Singh, general manager of P.A.’s Mr. Mikes Steakhouse, also shared that the majority of his employees earn a higher wage.

“The only difference that’ll be in the restaurant industry is for the servers. Our servers do get minimum wage and their tips.”

The main problem many businesses are currently facing is a lack of applications.

Prince Albert Inn is currently looking to fill several positions; however, they haven’t had a lot of people reach out.

They couldn’t pinpoint an exact reason, adding their hourly pay is above the minimum wage.

Singh noted his restaurant has been fairly lucky in finding interested people, though some have quit just as fast as they were hired.

Meanwhile, Hughes believes the minimum wage will most likely have a bigger impact on consumers.

“Many businesses will have to raise their prices on their goods in order to try and make up that difference.”

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

by Jaryn Vecchio