OTTAWA – The Ottawa and District Labour Council has set up a hotline for minimum wage workers to call and report employers who are reducing hours, benefits, breaks, and any other workplace changes. It comes as a result of the Ontario government’s hike in the minimum wage.

OLDC President Sean McKenney tells 1310 NEWS that while they appreciate business owners needing time to adapt, “the punishment” of workers through reducing benefits or taking other things away like breaks is wrong.

McKenney says they’ve heard stories locally about worker impacts and while the council acknowledges there may be some difficulties for business owners from the wage hike, ultimately, a rising tide lifts all boats. “I understand that its an added costs, but at the end of the day, we (OLDC) firmly believe that the wage hike will be in the best interest of everyone.

The council intends to verify any information from the hotline and make public the names of business that are eliminating paid breaks, or reducing other incentives.

The hotline can be reached at 613-233-1251. You can also email minwagebully@ottawalabour.org.