The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour says the increase in minimum wage is too little, too late.

Minimum wage is set to increase to $15 per hour on Sunday, October 1.

The federation says the move is nearly five years after labour organizations first launched a campaign calling for the increase, and given the cost of living, it is no longer enough.

Federation of Labour President Jessica McCormick says many working families making minimum wage will still be below the poverty line as the cost of housing, groceries and transportation skyrockets.

She says there should be a living wage implemented. A living wage is calculated by the amount of money a person needs to make to be able to live in their community. In 2019, the living wage in St. John’s was calculated to be $18.85, and costs have only increased.

McCormick says now is the time for government to commit to a living wage implementation plan.

Meanwhile, California is raising the hourly minimum wage for fast food workers to $20 US. It applies to fast food restaurants that have at least 60 locations nationwide. It does not apply to restaurants that make and sell their own bread.