In Canada today, more than 1.8 million employed people don’t earn enough at their jobs to pull themselves and their families above the poverty line; they are working and poor. Paying employees a living wage can change that for millions of Canadians and employers in 30 cities across the county are set to do just that.
The Renfrew County Living Wage Working Group (RCLW-WG) evolved following the Forum on Child Poverty in Renfrew County, hosted by the Renfrew County Child Poverty Action Network (CPAN) on Tuesday, June 10, 2014 in Pembroke. This working group is spearheading a community-based effort to establish a living wage in Renfrew County and includes a wide range of members including health and social service agencies, business leaders, engaged citizens, community leaders and other interested parties.
Living wage initiatives are based on the premise that work should lift workers out of poverty. Living wage is the amount of money an employee at a job needs to earn to cover the cost of basic necessities and to adequately participate in community life.
Unlike provincially mandated minimum wages, living wage sets an evidence-based standard that calculates the costs of living in communities based on a basket of goods and services. Minimum wage legislation simply does not come close to meeting the actual cost of living for individuals or families, but a living wage can make a world of difference in health outcomes and quality of life. The Living Wage amount varies across the country due to differences in costs of living and government transfers, as it is based on local costs for goods such as food, housing, transportation and childcare.
Thirty cities in four provinces have engaged in local discussions on how to create living wage communities. November 2-8 marks Living Wage Week in Canada and the UK– living wage is a global movement.
Across Canada, employers are adopting living wage policies because it is good for their employees and good for their bottom line. When living wages are paid, staff turnover and absenteeism is reduced while productivity dramatically increases. Proponents see living wage as a win for healthier, more prosperous communities.
For more information or to find out how to contribute to the work of this group, please contact Lara Mylly, Chair, Renfrew County Living Wage Working Group @ 613-582-3685
