The minimum wage increases to $12/hr
As of May 1, 2018 the minimum wage is set at $12 (including employees in the garment industry wages) and $9.80 for employees receiving tips.
There is also a minimum wage for pickers of small fruit. For raspberry pickers, the rate increases to $3.56 per kilogram, and to $0.95 per kilogram for strawberry pickers.
Some common questions
Every spring, many of you call to ask us about the implementation of new minimum wage increases. Here are two of the most common queries:
May 1st falls in the middle of my pay period. Can I wait until the next pay period to raise the minimum wage?
The answer: no.
The new minimum wage comes into effect on May 1, 2018. Any hour worked starting on that date must be paid at a minimum rate of $ 12.
Example: The pay period is April 22 to May 6, 2018. The employee works 8 hours a day, Monday to Friday and is paid at the minimum wage.
Rate from April 23 to 30: $11.25/h.
Rate from May 1 to 5: $12/h.
Do I have to increase the salaries of my employees who currently earn more than the minimum wage?
The answer: no.
You have an obligation to pay at least the minimum wage to all your employees. Beyond that, wage increases remain at your discretion.
A gradual increase announced until 2020
On January 19 2017, the Government announced a gradual increase of the minimum wage until 2020 to reach 50% of the average wage.
| Rate | 2016 (Until April 30 | 2017 (Until April 30) | 2018 (As of May 1) | 2019 (As of May 1) | 2020 (As of May 1) |
| Minimum wage (general rate) | $10.75/h | $11.25/h | $12.00/h | $12.10/h | $12.45/h |
| Minimum wage for ipped employees | $9.20/h | $9.45/h | $9.80/h | $9.80/h | $9.95/h |
| Rate for raspberry pickers | $3.18/kg | $3.33/kg | - | - | - |
| Rate for strawberry pickers | $0.85/kg | $0.89/kg | - | - | - |
Post Date: May 1, 2018
Print Article
Save to my Resources
Share this Article
Related Articles you might like.
Canada Day 2018 – is it Sunday or Monday?
June 18, 2018Canada Day 2018 – is it Sunday or Monday?
Read More
Create your own Employee Handbook with our simple template
May 22, 2018Create your own Employee Handbook with our simple template
Read More
What Bill 148: the “Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act” means for your business
January 1, 2018What Bill 148: the “Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act” means for your business
Read More
Temporary assignment of Work: employer’s privilege or duty?
Temporary assignment of Work: employer’s privilege or duty?
Read More
Managing stress at work: a how-to for employers
February 17, 2017Managing stress at work: a how-to for employers
Read More
Your A-Z toolkit for human resources policies and procedures
September 14, 2016Your A-Z toolkit for human resources policies and procedures
Read More
What not to wear: Avoiding dress code discrimination
August 22, 2016What not to wear: Avoiding dress code discrimination
Read More
Equal pay for equal work: What it means to your business
March 27, 2018Equal pay for equal work: What it means to your business
Read More
Family leaves under Employment Standards
October 21, 2014Family leaves under Employment Standards
Read More
Employment Standards Poster: Your obligation to post information in the workplace
July 2, 2014Employment Standards Poster: Your obligation to post information in the workplace
Read More
Pre-employment screening: Conducting criminal background checks
February 20, 2014Pre-employment screening: Conducting criminal background checks
Read More
Ontario Ministry of Labour Guides for supervisors and workers
February 4, 2014Ontario Ministry of Labour Guides for supervisors and workers
Read More
