FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 10, 1998
AFL calls for public hearings on
minimum wage
EDMONTON -- The provincial government is not doing enough to solicit input from the public on possible changes to the minimum wage, says the president of the Alberta Federation of Labour. Last month, the Department of Labour announced that it would be distributing about 3,000 surveys to individuals and organizations asking for suggestions and opinions on the minimum wage. But, in a letter sent to Labour Minister Murray Smith today, Cormack says the survey "falls far short of what we would consider adequate public consultation." "The survey was sent out to only a limited number of people -- and the vast majority of those people were from the business sector," says Cormack. "Are businessmen and women the only people with worthy opinions on issues like the minimum wage? What about the people who actually work for minimum wage? What opportunities are they being given to influence the policy-making process?" Cormack also criticized the design of the survey, saying it provides only four lines for people to explain why they think the minimum wage should be raised or lowered. It also provides space for people to explain why the minimum wage should be eliminated -- but, no space for people to explain why they think it should be defended. "After reviewing the questions, one is left with the feeling that the authors of the survey are trying to limit debate and influence the answers. Obviously, this is unacceptable," says Cormack. If the government is really concerned about finding out what Albertans think about the minimum wage, Cormack says the Department of Labour should expand its efforts at public consultation and organize a series of formal, public hearings around the province -- like the hearings that have often been held on other important questions of public policy (i.e. electoral boundary changes, private school funding etc.) "The debate over the future of the minimum wage in Alberta is simply too important to take place behind closed doors," says Cormack. "All Albertans -- not just a handful of carefully selected business people -- deserve an opportunity to voice their concerns. And they deserve to hear what other Albertans are saying about the issue." Later this month, Cormack says the AFL will host a meeting for unions and other groups that advocate on behalf of the working poor. At the meeting, participants will discuss strategies for broadening the debate on the minimum wage.
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