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 | - | - | - |
Print Article
Save to my Resources
Share this Article
