Bill 148 – Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act
The Ontario government has announced Bill 148, Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act set to be implemented later this year. The plan is proposing widespread changes to Ontario workplaces. In doing so, Brampton businesses warn of unintended consequences that could have negative economic effects. The Brampton Board of Trade is warning local MPPs of unintended consequences that will hurt consumers, workers and local businesses.
Proposed reforms include a 32% increase in the minimum wage within the next 18 months; card-based union certification and a variety of other changes that will impact job creation, workplace harmony and business investment in Ontario.
According to visits, calls and meetings local businesses have had recently with the Brampton Board of Trade, major concerns have been raised across all sectors regarding the impending changes. Local businesses tell the Board of Trade that:
- The impending changes will result in an increase to consumer prices to offset costs of paying staff more. How will consumers respond to large increases in labour-intensive purchases such as childcare, elder care and groceries?
- To mitigate increases to consumers, businesses will be forced to change their hiring practices accordingly — be more selective of who they hire – higher-skilledto justify a higher wage – which may exacerbate youth unemployment.
- Bearing in mind the parameters of their allotted budgets, businesses have stated clearly that they will have less room to create jobs.
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Reports
– Measuring the potential economic impacts of Bill 148
– The Flip Side of “Fair”: Adding Up Bill 148’s Unintended Consequences
