Eleven Guelph and Wellington County based employers have been recognized as “Living Wage Employers” after making the commitment to pay over 1,250 of their employees at least a living wage.
“Our 2015 living wage employer recognition program is part of a growing national trend that acknowledges that the minimum wage is not enough to raise a family,” said Guelph and Wellington Task Force for Poverty Elimination coordinator Randalin Ellery.
“Across the country, communities are understanding that a successful economy and society depend on everyone in the workforce having the opportunity to earn a salary that allows them to provide for their family and be an active participant in the local economy.”
The “Living Wage” is a conservative estimate of what two full-time working parents need to earn hourly to raise two children. The local living wage is calculated at $16.50/hour based on a process that is vetted nationally by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. The local living wage conversation has been spearheaded by the poverty task force which is now reaching out to all employers encouraging them to sign on.
The Co-operators was recognized at the event as the first national company in Canada to make a commitment to paying a living wage in every community that it employs a team member, starting the process in Guelph and Wellington. Bernie Mitchell, senior vice president of human resources and workplace services, spoke at the event about how a living wage aligns with the Co-operator’s principles.
“A living wage is good for our business and the community we work in, which is why we are proud to join the Living Wage program,” said Curt Hammond, chief listening officer at Pearl Street Communications.
“We believe that this public commitment to a living wage will help us find the right team members to grow our business and is a real example of our commitment to be being a responsible employer.”
The 11 employers recognized as living wage employers, are: Barking Dog Studios, The Co-operators, Downtown Guelph Business Association, Grosche International Inc., Guelph Community Health Centre, Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition, Ontario Co-operative Association, Pearl Street Communications, RLB LLP, United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin, Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington.
