On October 1, 2010, the minimum wage in Manitoba will go up 50 cents from $9.00 to $9.50.

The good news? Everyone getting paid minimum wage will get a 50 cent raise in October. The bad news? They may not have a job in October.

Some experts believe the dramatic increases to minimum wage over the last few years will take a big toll on some businesses. Many small business owners will no longer (or already can’t) be able to afford as many employees as they have now. They will either have to cut a few, or raise prices on their products/services.

At least these retailers can strive of the summer season with the $9.00 wage. October is also a long way. It should give them enough time to make the necessary adjustments. The last thing we need is more Winnipeg business going down the drain.

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Image $5 Canadian bill, nice eh? Originally uploaded by anitakhart

One of Manitoba’s top employers has been going through some rough times and it looks like the clock runs out sometime in March of 2010. The former hiring powerhouse is planning to start the layoffs at the end of this month and will continue to do so until March.

Being a former grunt of the Convergys force, I wish the current employees the best of luck in the future. I’ll never forget the times I spent playing hours of Mario Kart DS with 7 other of my friends while taking calls, or the many late night food runs…. or the time when I saw Oli D. fall asleep during his lunch and didn’t wake him up until 2 hours later…. or this.

This is a sad time for those still employed, but it’s also a time to remember the great non-work related times!

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Image North Side Parking Lot Originally uploaded by Jezz

Hydro workers just moved in to their new downtown building on Tuesday, and it looks like they may be moving back out.

3000 union members rejected the latest contract offer earlier this week. The main problem was salaries and the length of the contract.

A strike would definitely be seen by thousands of Winnipegers going through downtown. If it does happen, it will be the first in the 48-years Hydro has been in businesses.

Customer service will not be disrupted if a strike occurs.

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UPDATE: It’s official, Hydro workers will go on strike for the first time ever tonight. Downtown is going to be busy!!

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Image Manitoba Hydro, Winnipeg Originally uploaded by archiseek

A reminder that as announced last year, effective October 1, 2009 minimum wage will be $9/hour.

On May 1, 2009, the minimum wage went up 25 cents to $8.75. This Thursday October 1, 2009, it will go up another 25 cents to $9.00.

Though there will be much backlash from restaurant owners and companies that employ based on the ‘tip’ system, the hike comes with a small business tax cut (in half to 1 percent) that should even out the field.

Image money Originally uploaded by dawn m. armfield