As Ontario marks Living Wage Week, the United Way Perth-Huron has announced this area’s living wage has increased slightly — a bump from $22.77 an hour to $23.05 an hour — when compared to last year.
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“Making our communities more livable is an important, ongoing local effort,” United Way executive director Ryan Erb said.
While Erb noted some government policies, such as $10-a-day daycare, is helping to slow the upward pressure on wages, food and housing costs continue to be major stressors for area families.
“Both nutritious food and a safe place to live are fundamental to personal well-being,” Erb said.
“Wages must reflect the needs of workers and the United Way is committed to continuing to have this conversation with employers, helping ensure the economic pressures many people face are eased,” he added.
A living wage is calculated by the Ontario Living Wage Network (OLWN) to show how much a worker must earn per hour to make ends meet where they live. The network calculates data for expenses for three types of households — two adults supporting two small children; a single parent; and a single adult. According to the Ontario Living Wage Network, the Gray Bruce Perth Huron Simcoe region has the second highest living wage in the province, trailing only the Greater Toronto Area and its living wage of $26 per hour.
The local United Way noted there are 37 certified employers in the area who have committed to paying their employees a living wage. To qualify for that certification, these employers agree to pay all of their employees at least a local living wage. They must also keep pace with the increase to the living wage each year.
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