NSFL president says all working Nova Scotians should earn enough to put food on their tables and keep a roof over their heads

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 17, 2024

NSFL president says all working Nova Scotians should earn enough to put food on their tables and keep a roof over their heads

Halifax, NS – Nova Scotia’s minimum wage is $15.20 – the lowest in the Atlantic Region. Nova Scotia Federation of Labour president Danny Cavanagh says the province’s lowest-paid workers struggle to afford basic needs.

“Prices for housing and food continue to skyrocket in this province, and minimum-wage workers need a raise. Workers can’t make ends meet on $15.20 an hour. Our province stands at the bottom in the Atlantic region, with New Brunswick at $15.30, NFLD at $15.60, and PEI at $16.00. Workers in federally regulated industries make a minimum wage of $17.30 per hour.”

The recent CCPA report says that the living wage in Nova Scotia varies by region, with the highest living wages ranging from $22.85 in Cape Breton to $26.50 in Halifax.

“We need a living wage for workers to cover their basic expenses and have a modest standard of living.” 

Cavanagh says that raising the minimum wage would significantly enhance minimum-wage workers’ living standards. It would allow individuals and families to afford the necessities, help reduce financial stress, and improve their overall quality of life.  

Minimum wages in Nova Scotia have not kept pace with inflation or the rising cost of living. Workers in Nova Scotia are among the lowest-paid in the country, contributing to a widening income gap between low-wage workers and higher earners, exacerbating economic inequality in the province.

“Comprehensive policies must also be implemented to protect workers’ rights and ensure fair compensation. Because of inflation, minimum-wage earners have lost almost all their purchasing power” says Cavanagh. “Workers should earn enough to put food on their tables and keep a roof over their heads. Raising the minimum wage can reduce employee turnover and increase productivity. When workers are paid better, they are more likely to stay with their current employer, reducing the costs of hiring and training new employees. Additionally, higher wages can motivate employees to be more productive, benefiting businesses overall.” 

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For more information or to arrange interviews contact: NSFL President Danny Cavanagh @ (902) 957-0822 

The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour is the provincial voice of the Labour Movement, representing 70,000 members in over 400 union locals.