Alberta and Saskatchewan to lead country in salary gains this year

CALGARY — Salary gains will continue to be strong in Alberta and Saskatchewan at about four per cent this year compared with three per cent nationally, according to The Conference Board of Canada’s Mid-Year Pulse Check of its annual compensation planning outlook survey released Tuesday.

“Economic growth is uneven across the country. While employers are feeling the pinch in Ontario and other parts of Eastern Canada, the oil and gas sector is pushing up wages in Alberta and Saskatchewan,” said Ian Cullwick, vice-president of leadership and human resources research for the board.

Read more: http://tinyurl.com/ajbxmja  

 

Growing number of states look at minimum wage hikes

Nearly half the states have increased their minimum wage this year or are considering plans to hike it as the economy transitions from recession to a stronger recovery.

Thirteen states have weighed wage increases since Jan. 1. Maryland, New York, New Jersey and Hawaii are among the most recent. Monday, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican, rejected a bill that called for an immediate $1.25-per-hour hike, pushing the minimum wage to $8.50. He suggested instead a $1 increase phased in over three years.

Read more: http://tinyurl.com/ak2eu5q