During its 2015 provincial election campaign, the Alberta New Democratic Party made an election promise that it would increase minimum wage rates in Alberta to $15.00 per hour. The first step to getting there will take effect on October 1.
At present, the basic minimum wage rate is $10.20 per hour. As of October 1, 2015, that will increase to $11.20 per hour. For those employees who serve liquor, the new minimum wage rate will rise to $10.70 per hour from $9.20 per hour. Employees engaged in direct selling, certain salespersons, land agents and other employees listed in the regulations will have to receive at least $446 per week, rather than the current $406 per week. For those engaged in domestic employment, such as nannies, the minimum salary will rise to $2,127.00 per month from $1,937.00 per month.
Employees who are paid in whole or in part by commission must receive commission payments in an amount that is at least equal to the minimum wage.
These changes will also apply to employees of employers under federal jurisdiction if they are "usually employed" in Alberta.
Alberta employees can expect further increases in the months to come.
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