Fred Steele is the new president of the BC Fruit Growers’ Association following a recent election. The apple grower and former broadcaster wants to raise the profile of growers in the province.
Photo contributed
(Kelowna) – The BC Fruit Growers’ Association is supporting the change in the way the minimum wage is established in BC.
“This will make the minimum wage more predictable”, said Fred Steele, President of the BC Fruit Growers’ Association.
The minimum wage increases by $0.20 per hour to $10.45 per hour and piece rates in agriculture increase by 2% (minimum piece rates are currently $15.00 per bin to pick apples and $.224 per pound for cherries and will increase by 2%).
“We typically pay a premium on piece rates, and some cherry harvesters make significantly more than minimum wage. Growers pay piece rates to provide an incentive, and we recognize that means workers who perform will earn great wages. We appreciate and thank the contributions of our workers to the success of the agriculture sector.”
The BCFGA represents 520 commercial tree fruit growers in BC.
Contact: Fred Steele, President 250-801-1968 Glen Lucas, General Manager 250-212-8828.
