The federal NDP are planning to bring up a motion that would reinstate the federal minimum wage, which was scraped by the Liberals in 1996. Much like their counterparts in Ontario, the federal NDP are looking to set the minimum wage at $10/hr.
This is of course a great idea, and one that I hope will pass. I suspect the Bloc will be in full support, as will a few welfare Liberals, but I suspect that the bourgeoisie parties will ensure that this doesn't pass.
Regardless, even if it does, it would only apply to industries which are regulated by the federal government, which account for no more than about 10% of the total workforce. The other 90% of the workforce are covered by provincial legislation. This highlights a clear problem with the antiquated federal system and its ability to weakened the power of the state vis-a-vis private corporations.
However, despite the relatively low number of employees covered by federal legislation, many workers employed in the banking, telecommunications, and transportation sectors would certainly benefit from this. While Layton feels that this will set a bar for the provinces to follow, I remain a bit skeptical. Regardless, this is a motion that needs to be passed.
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