The provincial government has finally bowed to public pressure on the minimum wage, but their plan leaves over a million people working at poverty wages for at least three more years. Finance Minister Greg Sorbara announced the phasing in of seventy-five cent annual increases starting next March 31st with the rate becoming $10.25 in 2010.

Even though it will be delayed far too long, winning a 28% increase in the Minimum Wage is a great victory. It would never have happened without the tremendous mobilization of labour and community activists, and the willingness of ordinary people to use their voice - and their votes - to send a message to the McGuinty government.

But nagging questions remain unanswered. Why do politicians think it is alright that wealthy companies pay poverty wages to a million Ontarians? Why do so many people have to juggle two or three jobs to make ends meet? Can’t there be any constraints on those who direct the Walmartization of our society?

So the minimum wage campaign will continue, and we want everyone to keep signing petition cards, and turning them back in. In the next phase of this effort we won’t just be talking about a minimum. We will be talking about fixing employment standards and need for people to have collective rights at work. We will be developing key demands for government action to address the impact of global economic forces in the 21st century. Livable wages, decent working conditions and basic benefits are key to our quality of life, and the future of generations to come. The principle that work should be rewarded is one worth fighting for.