This report is primarily focused on the hourly labour market in North America, giving an overview of key trends, insights and news articles surrounding this segment.
At the end of 2014, Canadian consumer debt was reported to have increased to $1.529 trillion, with the average Canadian debt sitting at $20,967. In the first quarter of 2015, big box retailers such as TJX, Target and Walmart announced increases to their minimum wage rates.
The Bureau of Labour Statistics released a report this month showing 4.3% of hourly workers in the retail trade earn $7.25 per hour, which is the federal minimum. In comparison, 19% of hourly workers in the hospitality sector, including food and accommodation, are paid $7.25 an hour or less. In Canada, the province of Ontario announced a minimum wage increase from $11.00 to $11.25 starting in October. This increase places Ontario as the second highest minimum wage rate in the country.
This month, two noteworthy Executive changes include Thomas Haig, COO at Danier Leather, moving to Giant Tiger as COO, and Mario Grauso, President at Loblaw, transitioning to takeover Joe Mimran’s role with the Joe Fresh brand.