Press Release November 19, 2024

Stratford, ON — Living Wage Week in Ontario runs November 18 to 22 and United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH) is announcing the new living wage of $23.05 an hour, up slightly from $22.75 last year.

“Making our communities more livable is an important, ongoing local effort,” says Ryan Erb, UWPH 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 must 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 OLWN 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.

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