Good news for the 217,400 employees in the province who earn minimum wage. Starting May 1, their hourly rate will increase from $15.75 to $16.10, according to information released earlier this Friday, January 31 by the Minister of Labour, Jean Boulet. 

These workers are mainly in the retail and restaurant sectors, according to the Speaker. With this increase, the minimum wage will represent 50.52% of the average hourly wage in Quebec. 

The announcement is made several months before the new hourly rate comes into effect to allow employers to plan accordingly. 

Note that for employees who tip, the increase will be 30 cents per hour, which will make it $12.90 per hour. 

For Mr. Boulet, this increase in hourly wages represents a good balance between preserving the purchasing power of these workers and the ability to pay small and medium-sized enterprises during these times of economic uncertainty.