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Whenever the minimum wage makes its way into the news cycle, we are called upon to contrast it to our living wage rates. The minimum wage goes up by 6.8%, from $15.50 to $16.55 on October 1st as it has for the last few years. It’s been a challenge to not sound repetitive, but these all remain true…
“There is nowhere in the province – even after this upcoming increase – where you’re able to make ends meet working a full time minimum wage job”
“We know who the majority of minimum wage earners are, and they’re not teenagers living at home. 70% are working adults with households to support.”
“When the $14-per-hour minimum wage was implemented in 2018, we heard dire predictions. Turns out employment went up by 2.8% in 2019.”
“There are 847 workplaces that pay at least a living wage in Ontario across 620 employers. They are showing us there is another way to do business.”
Always be ready for that inevitable final question: “Great, thanks Craig. Is there anything else you’d like to add?”
It’s so easy to reply with a cordial “…no I don’t think so, did you get everything you need?”
Instead, go in with your message box:
“If you work full-time you should be able to make ends meet. What else is work for but to pay your bills?”
Fast forward about one month later, and we’ll be making an announcement of our own. Living wage week starts off on November 6th when we release our updated rates. Calculation work is nearly complete, and if you are a certified employer you can expect an update within a few weeks from now.
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