ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — No, he’s not the Olympic gold medal-winning curler from Labrador City known for shot-making ability, but this Mark Nichols will be looking to move some stones in his own way on behalf of workers.
The $15 and Fairness movement in Newfoundland and Labrador has brought Nichols, a former Anglican rector, into the organization’s the new role of Community Organizer
“We’re excited to have Mark join our team and help guide the push for a $15 minimum wage and fairer labour laws,” said Alyse Stuart, chair of Common Front NL, said in a release from the group, which is a coalition of provincial labour, social justice and community groups representing over 100,000 people.
“Throughout the pandemic, we’ve seen the important work minimum wage workers do and how dangerous that essential work can be. Support for a living wage is building among residents and businesses across our province. Mark will guide our efforts as we continue to campaign to have workers in our province appropriately compensated.”
Please read the letter in today's The Telegram by our Community Organizer, Mark Nichols #fairnessnl #fairwagesnow
Posted by Fight For $15 & Fairness - Newfoundland & Labrador on Friday, August 7, 2020
Nichols, who spent 15 years as associate rector of St. Mark's Anglican Church In St. John's and two decades with the Canadian Forces, is an experienced community worker and social justice leader.
“One of my priorities will be dispelling the myth that a $15 minimum wage is bad for business,” said Nichols in the same release. “Now more than ever, we need to demonstrate the economic gains to be made from putting decent wages in low wage workers’ pockets. We cannot go forward as a province if we continue to prevent over 60,000 workers from earning a living wage.”
Newfoundland and Labrador’s current minimum wage is $11.65. Only Saskatchewan, at $11.32, is lower amongst province’s and territories. Alberta’s is the highest at $15 per hour.
This province’s minimum wage is scheduled to $12.15 in October, $12.40 in April of 2021 and 12.65 in October of next year. There are also provisions for increases based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
