What is a Living Wage?
A Living Wage reflects what earners in a family need to bring home based on the actual costs of living in a specific community. The living wage gets families out of severe financial stress by lifting them out of poverty and providing a basic level of economic security.
The living wage is based on a calculation that draws on community-specific data to determine actual expenses that a family of (2) two working parents raising (2) two children face. The living wage is an hourly pay required to cover basic expenses such as food, clothing, shelter and transportation.
Living Wage in Other Cities
Greater Toronto Area – $26/hour
Hamilton – $21.30/hour
Brant Haldimand Norfolk Niagara – $20.90/hour
London Elgin Oxford – $19.50/hour
Living wage statistics listed above provided by Ontario Living Wage Network.
A living wage allows families to participate in the social, civic and cultural aspects of their community.
St.Thomas-Elgin 2024 Living Wage
Become a Living Wage Employer
There are many benefits to being a Living Wage Employer:
- Reducing absenteeism
- Reducing staff turn-over
- Decreasing costs associated with recruitment and training
- Improving employee morale, productivity and loyalty
- Improving your community profile through brand recognition, being a leader and increasing customer loyalty
Become a Certified Living Wage Employer > Register Here
For a map of current Living Wage Employers > Visit Ontario Living Wage Network
Forest City Casting Creating Loyal Employees
“As a family run business, it is important to us that our employees can support their family’s and this is one of the main driving factors behind Forest City Castings becoming a living wage employer. We know that with providing a living wage we will create loyal employees to help support our growth for years to come.“ – Devin McRae, Vice President
People, Passion & Family – Steelway Building Systems
“A living wage isn’t a new idea to Steelway. Whether it be our products, quality, or wages, the minimum was never a benchmark that Glen White, our founder, strived for. Today we are reminded of the awesome responsibility we have as employers as we strive to provide an emotionally and financially rewarding environment for those in our span of care.” – Bryan White, President
H.D. Painting Going The Extra Mile
“We decided that we were sick and tired of just going with the status quo, hiring, them quitting on you, and not being able to provide a living where (our workers) could look after a family.” – Jon Dryfhout, Co-Owner