Tiered wages discriminatory

Re: Employers call for ‘youth differential’ as Alberta’s minimum wage hits $15 an hour, Oct. 1

Let’s not make assumptions that a young person selling shoes is seeking to fund her next shopping spree or create expectations that a woman slinging beer will make up for low wages through her charm and customers’ tips.

The majority of minimum wage earners are women. Most are over the age of 20. One-third have children. Among the 25 per cent of minimum wage earners under 20 are youth who are buying groceries, saving for school, supporting families of their own.

In a city with a growing income gap, all workers need wages which meet their basic needs. An increase to minimum wage is one part of meaningfully addressing poverty and provides employers the discretion to select and pay accordingly, above a new threshold.

Tiered minimum wages — be they for youth or for liquor servers — are discriminatory.

Sue Tomney, CEO, YW Calgary