United Way Announces New Living Wage

by Bob Montgomery

United Way Perth-Huron has announced its new living wage 

Living Wage Week in Ontario runs November 18th to the 22nd and United Way Perth-Huron is announcing the new living wage of $23.05. That's a slight increase over last year's living wage of $22.75 an hour.

“Making our communities more livable is an important, ongoing local effort,” says Ryan Erb, United Way Perth-Huron Executive Director. “The good news from a business perspective is government policy such as $10 a day childcare is helping slow the upward pressure on wages. Unfortunately, food and housing costs continue to be major stressors, and both nutritious food and a safe place to live are fundamental to personal well-being. Wages have to reflect the needs of workers and United Way is committed to continuing to have this conversation with employers, helping ensure the economic pressures many people face are eased.” 

A living wage is calculated by the Ontario Living Wage Network to show how much a worker must earn per hour to make ends meet where they live. The calculations gather expenses for three types of households: two adults supporting two small children, a single parent, and a single adult. The results are then aggregated, and include any applicable government taxes, transfers, and benefits. 

There are 37 certified employers that pay at least a living wage in Perth-Huron, representing many sectors and sizes. To qualify for certification, employers agree to pay all employees at least a local living wage. They must also track increases to the living wages every year. For more information about Perth-Huron’s living wage, visit perthhuron.unitedway.ca

Pictured (from L to R): Bill Boon, Nathalia Salas and Sophie Vanstone from Aisin Canada Inc in Stratford. Aisin is a Certified Living Wage Employer.

Photo courtesy of Perth-Huron United Way