The NDP Government has announced increases to the minimum wage today as a step forward to providing a living wage that will assist working families and young people participate in our prosperous economy.

The increase will take place in three stages that will see the minimum wage move to $8.25 per hour on January 1, 2008, to $8.60 on May 1, 2008 and to $9.25 per hour on May 1, 2009. The minimum call out pay, which is three times the level of the minimum wage, will also increase accordingly.

An adjustment will also be made to minimum wage in 2010 to bring the minimum wage to the Low Income Cut-off (LICO). Along with this increase, legislation will be introduced that permits the minimum wage to be indexed in future years annually on May 1, to the consumer price index. Indexing the minimum wage beginning in 2010 will ensure that minimum wage workers are able to maintain a standard of living equivalent to the LICO.

"Raising the minimum wage is one way low-income individuals and families will have a better standard of living and an opportunity to build a better future," NDP Labour Minister David Forbes said. "As our economy grows and prospers it is important that all Saskatchewan residents benefit."

There are approximately 12,400 minimum wage earners in Saskatchewan.

The increase in the minimum wage follows a review by the Minimum Wage Board. The Board is required by legislation to review the minimum wage at least every two years.